Brooksie! Koepka Speaks On DeChambeau Situation
In late May, a video from the PGA Championship went viral showing four-time major champion Brooks Koepka looking disgusted as fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau walked behind his interview. The video appeared to suggest that DeChambeau was muttering something under his breath to Koepka – who finished the tournament in second place. Koepka’s noticeable eye-roll has quickly become a favorite internet meme, and the video (viewed over 10 million times) did nothing to suggest that the long-standing beef between the two is over.
Last week at The Memorial Tournament in Dublin, OH, the rivalry was once again on full display. Brooks fans heckled DeChambeau throughout the weekend by yelling “Brooksie” every time he approached the tee. Apparently not a fan of the Happy Gilmore approach, DeChambeau prefers to take his swings in silence.
The dislike between two of the United States’ most recognizable pros is something Koepka recently commented on to Sportstar: “I get the traditionalists who don't agree with it. I understand that, but I think to grow the game you’ve got to reach out to the younger generation,” he said on Wednesday. “I don't want to say that's what this is, but it's reaching out to a whole bunch of people. It's getting golf in front of people. I think it's good for the game.”
Of course, both guys can agree that their feud draws attention towards golf, and attention leads to dollars. DeChambeau addressed the situation saying: “Good, jesting rivalry is good for the game of golf.”
Fans won’t have to wait long for the rivalry to gain more steam. Both players are expected to participate in next week’s U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Currently, each golfer is ranked within the world top 10. DeChambeau is fifth and Koepka comes in at eighth.
If Koepka and DeChambeau want to continue to draw eyeballs to the game, a Happy Gilmore – Shooter McGavin style final round at Torrey Pines wouldn’t be the worst approach.