Monday, September 16, 2024

Brooks Koepka’s message to one-time rival Bryson DeChambeau after US Open win

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Brooks Koepka is tipping his hat to his one-time rival.

Moments after Bryson DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open title on Monday morning AEST in Pinehurst, Koepka posted a supportive message on social media to the newly minted two-time major champion.

“Welcome to the club,” Koepka wrote on X alongside an older photograph of the golfers embracing.

Koepka, 34, won back-to-back U.S. Open titles in 2017 and 2018. DeChambeau, 30, claimed his first in 2020.

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Koepka and DeChambeau, who both play on the LIV Golf circuit, have come a long way since their feuding days years ago.

During a 2019 podcast interview, Koepka had bemoaned DeChambeau’s slow pace.

“I just don’t understand how it takes a minute and 20 seconds, a minute and 15 to hit a golf ball; it’s not that hard,” Koepka told Michael Weston on Golf Monthly’s podcast.

DeChambeau later took jabs at Koepka’s physique in a 2020 Twitch steam, implying he was unimpressed by Koepka’s ESPN Body Issue photo shoot from 2019.

“I don’t know if his genetics even make him look good to be honest … I mean on Body Issue he didn’t even have any abs, I can tell you that,” DeChambeau said.

“I got some abs.”

In response, Koepka posted a photo on X of his four major trophies, two of which were from his PGA Championship wins in 2018 and 29119, and wrote: “You were right. I am two short of a six-pack!”

Tensions peaked at the 2021 PGA Championship, resulting in a Koepka eye-roll etched in modern history.

When speaking to the Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, Koepka rolled his eyes after losing his train of thought mid-interview due to the sound of DeChambeau’s metal spikes click-clacking.

“Sometimes, um — I lost my train of thought, hearing that bull****,” Koepka said, according to footage of the exchange posted on social media. “F***ing Christ.”

The golf stars were paired during the third round of the 2023 PGA Championship, which Koepka won, and appeared completely cordial.

That same year, Koepka posted a wholesome pic of the two together on Instagram, with DeChambeau putting an arm around the five-time major champion.

DeChambeau’s US Open wins compared | 01:25

DeChambeau had support from Koepka and the fans on Sunday in North Carolina, where he edged out Rory McIlroy with a 6-under par.

“Tonight,” he said after the win, per AP.

“I want all of you guys somehow, I want you guys to touch this trophy, because I want you to experience what this feels like for me. You were a part of this journey this week, and I want you to be a part of it for the after-party.”

DeChambeau entered the U.S. Open coming off a second-place finish at the PGA Championship and a sixth-place finish at the 2024 Masters.

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