You could make a case that Brooks Koepka had the best year of any professional golfer in 2023. There's an even stronger argument, however, that he had the most interesting year. Sure, there was plenty of good golf, but there was also a lot of other stuff going on, including probably the biggest life change a person can go through. Nothing can prepare you for that first sleepless night or diaper change as a parent!
But along the way, there was so much more. Koepka began the year as a sympathetic figure then returned to being a triumphant one as he hoisted a fifth major trophy that injuries had made him doubt would ever come. His trademark tough-guy act was often present, but the new dad also showed a softer side, particularly when it came to baby Crew. And the dude continued to speak his mind and needle people, especially on social media.
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Anyway, a lot of things happened to Brooks Koepka in 2023, but we'll keep our list to 54 (Get it?) as we recap an eventful year. In no particular order, here's a look back:
1. Posted a teaser for Netflix’s “Full Swing.”
2. Appeared prominently in Episode 2 of “Full Swing.”
Netflix
3. Appeared in a promo video for Smash GC.
4. Revealed that his LIV decision would have been tougher had he been healthy.
5. Confirmed his LIV contract was for nine(!) figures.
6. Joked about showing up at a PGA Tour event.
7. Criticized Smash teammate Matthew Wolff.
8. Took his Smash team to see a Florida Panthers game.
9. Became LIV Golf’s first two-time winner with victory in Orlando.
10. Became the first LIV player to successfully defend a title with win in Jeddah.
FAYEZ NURELDINE
11. Took the 54-hole lead at the Masters.
12. Didn’t convert said 54-hole lead at the Masters leading to LIV jokes.
13. Said Jon Rahm peed a lot on Masters Sunday.
14. Waited on the tee box a lot on Masters Sunday.
15. Criticized slow golfers, including Patrick Cantlay, on Masters Sunday.
16. Criticized Smash teammate Matthew Wolff again.
17. Received one of the most generous rulings in golf history in Singapore.
18. Was involved in a rules controversy with his caddie at the Masters.
19. Posted a video about his knee recovery promising "Big steps ahead."
20. Announced he and Jena Sims were having a child.
21. Had his first child.
22. Called Jon Rahm a child.
23. Welcomed Jon Rahm to LIV.
24. Nearly automatically qualified for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
25. Made the U.S. Ryder Cup team as a captain’s pick.
26. Told other LIV golfers to "play better" if they wanted to make the team.
27. Got a special “Freedom Flow” haircut for the Ryder Cup.
28. Enjoyed the sights in Rome.
29. Took a historic beating in the Ryder Cup.
30. Bounced back with a singles win at the Ryder Cup.
31. Trolled the PGA Tour.
32. Trolled his own tour.
33. Got to meet Michael Block.
34. Hit up Michael Block for free drinks.
35. Was quoted as saying “F— those country club kids” in Alan Shipnuck’s book.
36. Went to an SI Swimsuit party in support of his wife, Jena.
37. Had to say goodbye to his brother, Chase, as a teammate.
38. Signed Graeme McDowell to replace Chase.
39. Traded away Matthew Wolff.
40. Squashed his beef with Bryson.
41. Then said he’d fight Bryson for $1 million.
42. Heckled Bryson at a LIV event after handing him a beer.
43. Heckled Aaron Ekblad at a Florida Panthers game by holding up a traffic cone.
44. Revealed he had made a losing bet at said Panthers game.
45. Hyped up the crowd ahead of a Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Finals game.
46. Sat in the front row of a Miami Heat game.
47. Went viral at a Florida Panthers game.
48. Really tried to make calling the Florida Panthers the “Ps” a thing.
49. Shot a golf video with Travis Scott.
50. Finished third in season-long LIV standings to win $4 million bonus.
51. Had a priceless reaction to finding out that news on live TV.
52. Dressed up as Mario as part of a fantastic family Halloween effort.
53. Made good use of the Wanamaker Trophy.
54. Won the PGA Championship.
