2023 LIV Golf Washington DC Preview Picks & Analysis

BROOKS KOEPKA goes for his third victory of the year when he joins 47 other golfers for the latest LIV Golf tournament at Trump National in Potomac Falls, Virginia.

The new PGA champion collected $4m when he won in Orlando in April and then claimed his fifth major at Oak Hill, worth over $2m. If he can triumph again this week it means he will have pocketed more than $10m in just three starts. He also finished third in Singapore.

And who would bet against him claiming another win this week?

The field will see 16 competitors from Oak Hill in action as they go for individual and team honours. 

LIV Golf’s 12 teams are led by the likes of Koepka, Open Champion Cameron Smith, World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia. More than a quarter (13) of the league’s global field are major champions, with 25 major victories among them.

As LIV Golf have been quick to point out, much has been said about Koepka’s magnificent performance at Oak Hill.

Justin Thomas, who was the defending champion said of Koepka: “Brooks dominated this day. The guy knows how to play in majors, incredibly impressive! Congrats to Brooks and his team on another trophy.”

Runner-up Viktor Hovland got a close-up look at just how impressive Koepka’ play was. He said: “Brooks is a great player, and now he has five majors. I mean, that's a hell of a record right there. It's not easy going toe to toe with a guy like that. He is not going to give you anything.” 

Billy Horschel said: “Greatest player in Majors in the last 15 years! Congrats to @BKoepka on his 5th Major! Awesome job buddy!”

Renowned coach Claude Harmon III went even further. He said:  “He’s a generational talent. He’s not like everyone else… He’s a franchise quarterback in the NFL. He’s a starting pitcher who just threw another no-hitter, won another World Series and another Cy Young Award.” 

Smith has struggled since his move to LIV but there were encouraging signs at Oak Hill as he finished with a magnificent 65 to claim a top-10 finish, and he will be looking to get back in the winners’ circle this week. 

Form Guide

Brooks Koepka is enjoying a sensational season. He has a LIV Golf title to his name this year, finished in a tie for second place at The Masters, was third in Singapore and capped it all by winning the PGA Championship.

The Course

Trump National was designed by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills, It is a par 72 measuring 7,693 yards. Despite its length, you can expect to see some spectacularly low scoring - there are next to no trees and the fairways are generous, although water comes into play on several holes. Keep the ball in play and you are going to score well here.

To Win:

Cameron Smith. Almost back to his best

Each Way:

Brooks Koepka. In imperious form

Each Way:

Talor Gooch. Has already won twice this year

Five to Follow:

Cameron Smith. Will draw on a great finish at the PGA

Brooks Koepka. Back to his very best

Talor Gooch. Has few weaknesses

Dustin Johnson. Showed some encouraging form at Oak Hill

Sergio Garcia. Has been showing flashes of form