Brooks Koepka says whether he’s noticed different vibe at LIV Golf Chicago after sudden rule change

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Brooks Koepka leads the way at LIV Golf Chicago after carding a red-hot 62 on day one at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

The American made eight birdies and didn’t drop a shot during Friday’s play as he looks to end his 2024 season with a third victory.

There’s a lot on the line this week with Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann battling it out for the Individual Championship.

What’s more, after LIV Golf announced a rule change, captains such as Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson can now be relegated and lose their spots for the 2025 season. Previously, captains were deemed exempt.

Koepka has since been asked about his thoughts and whether there’s a different vibe this week in Chicago.

Brooks Koepka shares what he’s noticed among players at LIV Golf Chicago

• READ MORE: LIV Golf Chicago: How to Watch, Prize Money, Dates & Everything You Need To Know

Speaking immediately after his first round, the American claimed he was very much focused on his performance.

“To be honest, I’m sure if I actually paid attention when I was around everybody in the dining hall or whatever, I’m sure I would notice it, but I just kind of get in my own world, and I don’t really — I go do my thing,” Koepka explained.

The five-time major winner, however, did reveal that he’s felt a specific atmosphere at this time in the season in years past.

“But yeah, I remember noticing it for the past two years,” Koepka added. “You can kind of tell. It’s more like after the fact; a guy goes and plays bad today and they needed a good round, you notice it more. But I haven’t been in there yet, so I’m sure I’ll see it in a bit.”

Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson struggle after LIV Golf U-turn

Mickelson and Watson, in particular, need to perform well this week to maintain their status for the 2025 campaign.

Six-time major Mickelson is five spots above the drop zone and is safe for now. The 54-year-old, however, has started poorly at Bolingbrook, carding a five-over 75 and making just one birdie in the process.

Things weren’t much better for Watson, who sits inside the drop zone. The two-time Masters winner is three-over-par and must improve over the next 36 holes if he’s to maintain his status.

Greg Norman heaped pressure on Watson at LIV Golf UK, and there’s no doubt that the 45-year-old will feel the heat in Chicago with his breakaway league future on the line.