When Brooks Koepka agreed to terms for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year, access to the biggest tournaments was not included. But that could all change this week Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
In four days at the least serious event of the year, Koepka has a chance to make his PGA Tour comeback a success and set himself up for a run at the FedEx Cup title.
Here’s how.
Winning the Zurich Classic would bring big returns for Brooks Koepka
This week’s Zurich Classic may feel more like an exhibition than an official PGA Tour event, but the stakes are very real. Just ask Koepka.
Koepka made a deal to return to the PGA Tour this season, but that deal did not include automatic access to Signature Events. He was also barred from accepting sponsor exemptions in those big-money events. The five-time major champion and former LIV Golf professional would have to play his way into the Tour’s biggest tournaments.
That left Koepka waiting at the Harbor Town clubhouse last week as the first alternate on the RBC Heritage field, hoping a last-minute WD would secure him a spot.
It didn’t happen.
But if Koepka, who is joining the Shane Lowry this week, he wins the Zurich Classic, his reality changes. Although the Zurich Classic is a team event, both members of the winning team receive the same rewards as in a normal Tour event. Namely, a two-year exemption from the PGA Tour, a berth in the PGA Championship and meeting times in all signature events.
While Koepka is already qualified for the PGA Championship thanks to his three PGA wins, gaining access to the Signature Events would be a major coup. Suddenly, he would have spots in the upcoming Cadillac Championship, May’s Truist Championship and June’s Memorial and Travelers Championship, which all offer $20 million purses and increased FedEx Cup points.
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Brooks Koepka’s driver was in the wrong position. He noticed at Masters
Jack Hirsch
It would also allow Koepka to relax and focus on winning, rather than spending time worrying about tournament status and tournament eligibility.
Then there’s the money. A win this week would earn him and Lowry $1.3 million. As for the FedEx Cup, each player would receive 400 points for a Zurich victory. That would double Koepka’s current total of 302 improves his FedEx Cup ranking from 57th potentially in the top 30. That would put him in line for a spot in the tournament championship. Although Koepka is barred from earning FedEx Cup bonus payments due to the Returning Member Program, he can still takes home any winnings he earns from the tournament championship and other playoff events.
Interestingly, Koepka’s teammate this week has experience in this department. In 2024, Lowry teamed with Rory McIlroy to win the Zurich Classic. It was Lowry’s first win in five years that proved vital to maintaining his status and eligibility on Tour.
