Brooks Koepka’s Smash Team Gives LIV a Lifeline with Graeme McDowell

Graeme McDowell’s fate has taken a positive turn as Brooks Koepka has extended a LIV lifeline to the Irishman, making him a new member of the Smash team in the breakaway league.

Despite finishing outside the top 24 in the 48-man series, McDowell, the 2010 US Open winner who became a Ryder Cup legend when holing the winning putt at Celtic Manor in the same year, is set to continue in the league under Koepka’s patronage.

Koepka’s support comes at a crucial time for McDowell, who was nearly released by LIV last month, although fellow Europe greats Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Henrik Stenson secured extended contracts. McDowell had only negotiated a two-year deal at the beginning, and the recent developments seemed to suggest that he would not be retained.

McDowell also publicly acknowledged that during press conferences, he was compelled to address uncomfortable questions regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, a matter that drew scrutiny from various parties.

However, Koepka’s endorsement of McDowell has shifted the narrative for the Irish golfer, who is now expected to feature prominently in the Smash team, improving his future prospects in LIV’s team competitions.

Against Rory McIlroy, once his closest confidante but who became the most vocal critic of LIV, accusing his former Ryder Cup teammates of “betrayal”.

Despite encountering controversy and earning over £4 million in 22 events, McDowell found himself stranded when he came 40th in this year’s standings. However, Koepka’s unexpected decision has replaced McDowell’s uncertainties with a renewed sense of optimism in LIV.

Telegraph Sport revealed last week that after LIV paid his outstanding £1.5 million fine, the Austrian would be welcomed back on his home circuit.

However, certain contractual obligations might have subjected McDowell to an even greater financial penalty than Wiesberger, posing potential obstacles in his journey to secure a continued place in LIV.

McDowell’s inclusion in the Smash team, led by five-time major winner Koepka, is a decisive development that sets the stage for an intriguing turn of events in the upcoming LIV tournaments. It is a significant and unexpected turn of fortune for McDowell, who could now realize his ambitions with renewed vigor in this new chapter of his career.

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