GOLF: Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship

Brooks Koepka continues to show his willingness to compete in lower-tier PGA Tour events as he works to maintain form ahead of the final three majors of the 2026 season.

As part of his return to the PGA Tour through the recently established Returning Player Program after his split from LIV Golf, Koepka is not eligible to accept sponsor exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two signature events scheduled before next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field tournament, the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Among his five major titles, Koepka has won the PGA Championship three times. The Myrtle Beach event, which carries a $4 million purse, offers him a valuable tune-up opportunity while most of the tour’s top players compete for $20 million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte.

The Myrtle Beach Classic also presents an additional incentive for Koepka. A victory would earn him a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial Tournament and the Travelers Championship.

Koepka is coming off a missed cut alongside teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic, following a solid tied-12th finish at the Masters. He has recorded four top-20 finishes in his last five stroke-play events and currently sits 59th in the FedEx Cup standings.

He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where he waited through the first round in case of a withdrawal. His participation in Myrtle Beach gives the event’s third year a rare marquee attraction.

“Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, according to the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.”

The PGA Championship is set to begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

—Field Level Media/Reuters