As Brooks Koepka Tips Rory McIlroy to Win ‘Major no.5’, Here’s a Look Inside Their Underrated Friendship

Brooks Koepka would rather play with (and against) Rory McIlroy than anyone else. Not a comment from the past, mind you. A sign of changing times, then? Perhaps, not so much. Koepka and McIlroy have shared an unlikely friendship over the last few years. Many times, the golf community wondered if the dynamics were still the same given McIlroy’s position as the de facto spokesperson for the PGA Tour and Koepka’s unapologetic LIV Golf defense. 

Turns out that it has stood the test of a tumultuous time. Koepka still feels that McIlroy is in the same competitive zone as he is. That’s despite Jena Sims taking a dig at the Northern Irishman recently. Claire Rogers of Golf.com asked who he would rather play with for the rest of his life. Koepka thought for a moment before letting go, “I think most people probably hate this answer but like, Rory.” Surprised? Well, Koepka had his reasons this time, as the duo had many times before.

Brooks Koepka thinks McIlroy’s fifth Major will come soon

The five-time Major winner believes McIlroy would give him tough competition that perhaps no other player could offer. “I’ve got to get one more than him and then he’s gonna try to [get more.] He’s gonna get to five soon.” It was reminiscent of McIlroy’s comment in 2019. “I love Brooks, he’s a great guy. Obviously super competitive, like we all are… But Brooks and I are good, we’re good friends.”  

It’s a “one-up thing” Koepka admits, before lauding the 24-time PGA Tour winner for his consistency. “I want to try to be a little bit better than him because I think he’s arguably one of the best players ever.” That respect is mutual and does not have anything to do with McIlroy’s change of heart.  

Rory McIlroy supported Koepka’s Ryder Cup inclusion 

McIlroy, although was not in favor of the LIV Golfers’ inclusion in the European squad, came in support of Koepka nonetheless. His comment at that time revealed that more than allegiance to LIV Golf, what mattered to the Ulsterman was current form and consistency.

McIlroy said, “I certainly think Brooks [Koepka] deserves to be on the United States team. I think with how he’s played, I mean, he’s second in the U.S. standings, only played two counting events. I don’t know if there’s anyone else on the, you know, on the LIV roster that would make the team on merit and how they’re playing. But Brooks is definitely a guy that I think deserves to be on the U.S. team.” Koepka almost missed out on the Ryder Cup squad before Zach Johnson named him as one of the captain’s picks. That support was not surprising, considering they played together in the Masters just a month prior.

Brooks Koepka and McIlroy practiced together at the Masters

Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy were spotted in a practice round at the Masters. The world was shocked, but it was pre-planned. When Koepka became the first two-time winner after clinching the LIV Golf Orlando title, Rory McIlroy sent a congratulatory message. He also asked the five-time Major winner if Koepka would be willing to have a practice round together. Needless to say, the 33-year-old was happy to oblige. Only two months later, they were paired together again at another Major.

They were paired together at the 2023 US Open

Just weeks after Jay Monahan announced the $3 billion merger agreement with PIF, the Saudi Sovereign fund that bankrolls LIV, the USGA paired Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy at the 2023 U.S. Open. McIlroy, despite admitting he felt like a “sacrificial lamb,” showed no signs of discontent at Los Angeles Country Club. Instead, both appeared to be in a jovial mood in between chasing down the leaders. Notably, McIlroy also hugged Koepka after the latter’s fifth Major victory at the PGA Championship, a month prior.

Read More: After Their Amicable Embrace, Golf World Fuels Speculations About Rory McIlroy’s Future Following Viral Brooks Koepka Moment

Koepka for his part, has also refrained from spewing venom against Rory McIlroy. For the Northern Irishman, what mattered the most was the interpersonal relationship. It was also reported that McIlroy and Koepka had lunch together after the former joined LIV Golf. As Kopeka’s comments indicate, don’t be surprised, if you see them playing together in a month.

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