The joke in Las Vegas is that Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau’s match will be played over 12 holes on Friday because DeChambeau wanted to play 24 holes and Koepka wanted to play none.
“Fair enough,” Koepka remarked. “Eighteen holes is a long time with him.” As much as everyone else, I don’t want to be near him.”
“Non-existent,” Koepka remarked when asked to choose one word to characterize the state of their relationship.
The two PGA Tour stars, according to DeChambeau, have “sort of a dislike for each other.”
After putting their social-media squabble on hold for the sake of Team USA at the Ryder Cup, the gloves appear to be off once more.
“I don’t call him every day, and my phone isn’t ringing off the hook,” Koepka explained.
This week I'm thankful we finally get to settle this…
Ready to see what you're bringing to our "Friendsgiving" @PhilMickelson #CapitalOnesTheMatch pic.twitter.com/qNKnGIYHBb
— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) November 22, 2021
DeChambeau stated, “The thing I’m most looking forward to is kicking his butt.” “He doesn’t like me and stuff for whatever reason.” It’s just the way it is. I’m here to show off and inspire youngsters to play a game in a different way, and he doesn’t seem to appreciate it. “I’m not sure what’s going on there.”
“He can try to bully me all he wants,” DeChambeau remarked. “At the moment, he’s not doing a very good job of it. Personally, I believe we are winning. He’s certainly received his fun little punches and everything, but he’s also missed a number of cuts, so I’m not sure what else to say. When you miss cuts, you can’t say anything.”
However, the more DeChambeau sought to hype the match, the more he displayed his sensitive side, indicating that Koepka’s bullying methods had taken their toll.
“The manner the guy tried to knock me down is nasty. In the game of golf, it isn’t necessary. DeChambeau stated, “He’s basically tried to take me down from every angle, every route, and every way.” “Can you tell me why?” I’m not sure. Maybe it’s because he’s envious of the Tour’s PIP money and wants a piece of it. That’s definitely a factor because it was mostly ignored until this year, when it was finally revealed. ‘Woah,’ I thought. ‘What is he attempting to accomplish?’ That’s pretty much the best justification I can think of.”
DeChambeau approached Koepka’s caddie Ricky Elliot on the putting green before the final round of the 2019 Northern Trust, rather than directly to him, to voice his dissatisfaction at Koepka singling him out for slow play, something Koepka stated he’s explained too many times. They had negotiated a truce, which DeChambeau broke when he made fun of Koepka on social media.
He was the one who agreed that we wouldn’t say anything about one other and that we wouldn’t mention each other’s names, and then he opened his lips and spoke my name, and I was like, ‘Looks like we’re back on.’ Don’t tell me you won’t open your mouth, then close it again 2-3 months later. I can assure you that you will receive what you have requested.”
When a video of Koepka rolling his eyes as DeChambeau walked behind him during a taped interview at the PGA Championship went viral, their feud went global. Keopka and DeChambeau hugged in front of their teammates after the US won the Ryder Cup, but both players admitted that it was forced.
DeChambeau added, “The team wanted us to do it.” “I was astonished he did that, but I’m a guy who can easily forget about things.” It was obvious that it was forced. There was no apology or anything along those lines. Nothing will change unless he apologizes for what he said and did.”
The golf world had hoped to see the two play in a final round for a trophy, but for now, the televised exhibition, which will air on TNT with Charles Barkley and Phil Mickelson among the broadcasters, will have to suffice.
“Obviously, no one would put us together,” Koepka explained, “so we had to do it ourselves.” “I believe the entire world is interested in seeing it.” I’m giving the folks exactly what they’re looking for. “I am a people’s man.”
If you’re not afraid of heights, or rivalries, you should check this out.
The Match airs on TNT next Friday at 4 p.m. ET. pic.twitter.com/1jKxLD40gt
— Wynn Las Vegas (@WynnLasVegas) November 19, 2021
