The 2023 Open Championship is just hours away from officially getting down to business. One of the traditions of the major, the pre-tournament press meet has already begun. One of the latest conferences featured none other than Brooks Koepka! The 2023 PGA Championship winner took to the mic to answer questions related to his preparations and form before the big game.

However, it was unlikely for the questions to revolve only around the game, given Koepka’s LIV association. Therefore, some of the reporters probed the golfer regarding the new merger emphasizing Rory McIlroy‘s stance on it. The LIV Golf star firmly refused to act as a spokesperson. Let’s find out more.

No bad blood between players from two tours, insists Koepka

As soon as the question concerning last month’s billion-dollar merger came up, Brooks Koepka shook his head and shrugged. His non-verbal answer was followed by, “To me, I don’t have enough information on it to even know how to feel, what to think. That’ll probably be coming in the next few months I’d say.” His answer was crystal clear, that he refused to form an opinion about something he had not much idea.

However, the question also included Rory McIlroy and his feelings toward the merger, and if it has hindered the friendship between golfers. Brooks Koepka chose to stand clear of this part of the query. Though, he did say that everyone is entitled to form an opinion. His response was that it would be better if McIlroy answers himself. Moreover, the golfer believed that as such there is no divide between the LIV golfers and the PGA Tour players.

The golfers are friendly with each other, especially talking about himself, Koepka stated that he is friends with all those (PGA Tour) guys. According to the 33-year-old, there is no one who has been extremely mad at the golfer. He mentioned that players actually still see each other and are friends.

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Focusing on his connection with McIlroy, the LIV golfer revealed the good ties the two professionals share. Apart from disclosing that he has had some good talks over the last couple of months with the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open winner, he also divulged a personal moment between the golf stars.

Brooks Koepka acknowledges his connection and friendship with Rory McIlroy

While recent times haven’t been easy for many professionals in the golf dynamics, some have struggled more than others. One such player has been the World No.2, Rory McIlroy. The golf icon earlier this year opened up about his concerns regarding mental well-being and game form.

Regarding the same matter, Brooks Koepka said, “He’s (Rory McIlroy)told me some stuff that’s gone on with him that I really appreciate he’s opened up.” This was the 2017 US Open winner’s way of admitting that the duo has spent plenty of time together of late. Not only that, they still practice together which has led to multiple conversations.

When asked if Koepla will again ask, like he did in 2014, McIlroy for Manchester United’s game tickets again. And if he thinks that McIlroy would be as generous as the last time, Koepka said:  “I don’t see why he wouldn’t. Like I said, we’ve always been friends.” What do you think of Koepka’s latest statements with regard to Rory McIlroy? Let us know in the comments!

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