Brooks Koepka has a chance to secure his PGA Tour season at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Teaming with Shane Lowry, a win would grant him a two-year exemption and access to Signature Events. The team event offers significant rewards despite its lighter atmosphere.
Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour earlier this year without automatic entry to Signature Events or sponsor exemptions. He must earn spots through performance. Last week, he served as first alternate at the RBC Heritage but did not play after no withdrawal opened a spot. Now at the Zurich Classic, Koepka pairs with Shane Lowry, who won the event in 2024 alongside Rory McIlroy, securing his own status then. A victory would deliver both players a two-year PGA Tour exemption, entry to the PGA Championship—already secured for Koepka by prior wins—and starts in all Signature Events, including the Cadillac Championship, Truist Championship, Memorial and Travelers Championship, each with $20 million purses. The win also carries $1.3 million in prize money per player and 400 FedEx Cup points, more than doubling Koepka's current 302 points and lifting him from 57th toward the top 30 for a Tour Championship berth. Though barred from FedEx Cup bonuses under the Returning Member Program, Koepka can claim tournament winnings. Alex Fitzpatrick, fresh off his first DP World Tour win at the Hero Indian Open, teams with brother Matt Fitzpatrick, who recently won the RBC Heritage and holds secure status. A Zurich triumph could grant Alex full PGA Tour status for two years.
