Brooks Koepka defeated Bryson DeChambeau in “Capital One’s The Match,” but did it really put an end to their feud?
“Did we just become best friends?” says the narrator. Following the contest, Amanda Balionis inquired. “No,” answered Koepka.
But the two appeared to gain respect after Koepka put on a show at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, making four birdies en route to a 4-and-3 victory in nine holes in which DeChambeau only hit one of six fairways. After missing a birdie putt on the ninth hole, DeChambeau, who hasn’t played competitively since the Ryder Cup, conceded the 12-hole match.
When Koepka, 31, missed his tee shot on the par-3 ninth hole just feet from the pin, DeChambeau, 28, addressed his adversary, who has struggled on Tour recently, “Where on the PGA Tour is this, man? Right now, you’re playing exceptionally well.”
“Right now, it’s kind of like my major,” Koepka said.
“Not going to lie, I just wanted to spank you,” Koepka remarked to Dechambeau seconds before he rolled in the victory putt.
The rivalry between the two began at the 2019 Northern Trust and was reignited during this year’s PGA Championship after a never-aired Golf Channel video went viral, sparking a summer of back-and-forths. After Team USA’s Ryder Cup thrashing, the two appeared to find common ground, cuddling during the post-victory celebration. And after his own thrashing in Las Vegas, Koepka had nothing but admiration for the 2020 U.S. Open champion.
After his triumph, Koepka told Balionis, “Obviously, watching him up close and personal is quite neat, pretty special to watch him hit the ball.” “As I already stated, there is respect there, but it was also enjoyable to come out here and settle this.”
Koepka, on the other hand, isn’t interested in rehashing the situation. DeChambeau, on the other hand, would fire another salvo at his opponent.
“I’ve always admired Brooks,” said DeChambeau. “He’s won four major titles, and he’s made a significant contribution to the game. It was 12 holes at the end of the day, and he had me. So, ideally, a rematch will take place shortly.”
