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LIV Golf captain Brooks Koepka has confirmed suggestions of a rift between teammates of Smash GC after unloading on Matthew Wolff.

Reports had hinted that Wolff was on his way out of the team, but Koepka has now confirmed that he has ‘given up on him’.

Speaking to Alex Miceli of Sports Illustrated, the 5-time major champion unloaded on Wolff, and pulled no punches regarding his attitude.

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Koepka said: “I’ve basically given up on him – a lot of talent, but I mean the talent’s wasted.”

“It’s very tough to have a team dynamic when you’ve got one guy that won’t work, one guy is not going to give any effort, he’s going to quit on the course, break clubs, gets down, bad body language, it’s very tough.

Speculation over Wolff’s status on the breakaway tour intensified last month after his social media handle was removed from the team’s Twitter and Instagram accounts.

The 24-year-old was as high as no. 12 in the world rankings in 2020 but has struggled for form on the Saudi-backed circuit in recent months.

Wolff finished in 44th place at LIV Golf Valderrama last week to extend his barren run, including finishes of T44, T41, and T30, as well as withdrawing from May’s event in Washington.

Wolff was 46th of 48 heading into that final round but called it a week after 36 holes, and that has clearly formed part of Koepka’s opinion.

He added: “I mean, when you quit on your round, you give up and stuff like that, that’s not competing. I’m not a big fan of that. You don’t work hard.”

His withdrawal, which led to the initial fallout, was recorded as being due to an undisclosed injury.

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The former PGA Tour winner was asked if he wanted to be on another LIV team, but the American ‘shook his head and walked off’.

In response to Koepka’s frustration, he said: “I’m here, you know, trying to do what I can to play the best round of golf and that’s going to help the team.”

The top 24 on the LIV Golf money list are guaranteed a spot in the league for next season, but Wolff is currently 27th.


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John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.

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