Instead of teeing off on Brooks Koepka for taking a shot at him, Rory McIlroy actually agreed with comments made by his fellow PGA Tour member.
Speaking last week, No. 1-ranked Koepka said he doesn’t view No.2-ranked McIlroy as his rival because the Northern Irishman hasn’t won a major in the five years since Koepka joined the PGA Tour.
On Monday in Japan, McIlroy addressed the notion during a mid-round interview with GolfTV’s Henni Zuel.
“What Brooks said wasn’t wrong. I mean, he’s been the best player in the world the last couple years – four majors. I don’t think he had to remind me that I haven’t won one in a while,” McIlroy said. “I love Brooks, he’s a great guy. Obviously super competitive, like we all are. I guess I can see where he’s coming from.”
McIlroy also said he didn’t take the comments personally and that he still considers Koepka a friend.
“I think if you take what Brooks said out of context then it can become this big thing that it’s become,” McIlroy said. “But Brooks and I are good, we’re good friends.”
It’s possible that Koepka initially said what he did partially in response to McIlroy pocketing the $15 million PGA Tour Championship jackpot in Atlanta and then doing a little chirping afterward.
Both golfers have four major wins on the tour with McIlroy’s last major victory coming at the 2014 PGA Championship and Koepka’s coming at the PGA Championship in May.
Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
