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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

It is quite natural to have rivalries and competitions in the game of golf since it is more of an individual sport. However, it is another matter when the rivalry becomes a dispute resulting in a clash between the players, especially when it comes to a team event like LIV Golf. And in the midst of such a controversy are Smash GC and his skipper, Brooks Koepka.

The team is currently in second place, with Koepka leading the scoreboard at the tournament in Jeddah. However, the focus of the golf world seemed to be on the captain for another reason: the “brotherhood” of the supposedly united team!

Brooks Koepka takes a jab at a fellow teammate

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The tensions among the players competing on the field are already set to peak on Sunday as the LIV Golf Jeddah enters its final round on the third day. The field of golfers would be gearing up to face each other for the title and the prize pool of $25 million, including Koepka’s team. However, the 33-year-old had something else in mind during the interview.

In an interview after the second round, the golfer was asked about whether the concept of “brotherhood” was part of his team. The professional, while sporting a smirk, responded as to how “there’s only three of us on their (Smash) team,” while not taking the fourth player, namely Matthew Wolff, into account.

Continuing with his response, the American Ryder Cup star was all praise for his brother Chase Koepka and teammate Jason Kokrak. Referring to his sibling, the 9X PGA Tour champ mentioned how he’s “pretty tight with him.” Moreover, the golfer was very expressive of his fondness for Kokrak as he said, “I’ve enjoyed being around him. He’s a good player, super talented… Yeah, I can’t say anything bad about him,” seemingly taking a light jab at Wolff.

However, the same sense of affection can’t be expected from the 2023 PGA Championship winner towards his fourth ‘teammate’, as they had been through a small altercation of sorts well before Jeddah.

Keopka’s criticism of Wolff and his response

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In an interview ahead of the LIV Golf event in London at the Centurion Club, the skipper made sure to take a jab at his teammate Wolff for quitting on a round. The 24-year-old had gone ahead to withdraw from the course at the Saudi-backed league’s event in DC. The captain, following that, pointed out how it is not competitive when one gives up and does not give in any effort for the team dynamic.

ALSO READ – LIV Golf Jeddah Was Initially ‘Irrelevant’ to Brooks Koepka, but a Driving Force Motivated the Heartbroken Champ to Perform

However, the comment made by Koepka was beyond disappointing for the young golfer, as he dubbed it “heartbreaking” to see the team leader give up on him. Moreover, he pointed out how it was not something that a member of the squad hoped to hear from the leader while alluding to how it could have been handled differently.

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Do you think Koepka and his team would be able to win with just three people? Share your thoughts below.

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