[Golf Topic] 'COVID-19 Consideration' Kepka's Brother "Obtained Special Entry for 2 Tournaments"

Chase Koepka (left) and his brother Brooks Koepka. Photo by PGA Tour website

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…Chase Kepka (USA), younger brother of Brooks Kepka, ranked 5th in the world, has earned two entry rights to PGA Tour events.

This was due to his considerate action of putting others before himself during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the 3rd (Korean time), the AP News reported, "The PGA Tour has given Kepka a special invitation to the Workday Charity Open held next week in Dublin, Ohio." The Travelers Championship also granted Kepka an entry for next year. Before last week's Travelers Championship, Kepka's caddie, Ricky Elliott, tested positive for COVID-19.

It was a tournament where Kepka had barely secured entry by passing Monday qualifying. However, although he tested negative, Kepka declared withdrawal as a precaution. Unlike his older brother, who has won seven times including four majors, Kepka has only five PGA Tour appearances, so giving up a hard-earned entry was a significant decision. The PGA Tour, conducting the season amid difficulties due to COVID-19, rewarded Kepka's selfless behavior with entry rights.