LIV Lifeline: Graeme McDowell Joins Brooks Koepka’s Smash Team

Graeme McDowell is about to be announced as a new member of the Smash team in the breakaway league after being given a lifeline by Brooks Koepka, handing him a golden opportunity in the sport.

McDowell, who won the 2010 US Open and became a Ryder Cup legend when he secured victory with a memorable putt at Celtic Manor in the same year, was facing the possibility of being released by LIV after failing to make the top 24 in the 48-man series last month. Amid this, fellow Europeans Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Henrik Stenson received longer contracts, while McDowell signed only a two-year deal before LIV’s first event 18 months ago.

McDowell also found himself in the spotlight, frequently fielding questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, a responsibility that did not sit well with him. In a recent interview, he clarified, “I was not a paid ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s human rights. I was a paid ambassador for a golf tour… It was about the money. It didn’t need to be said. Of course, that’s what I was there for – it was a business decision.”

Despite being tarnished by controversy, securing earnings of over £4 million in 22 events, and being led to believe he would have to compete on the Asian Tour next year, McDowell was out of LIV after his disappointing finish. However, with Koepka’s backing, McDowell now has the chance to thrive in the Smash team, a significant upgrade from his previous position. This presents an exciting new chapter for him.

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