Brooks Koepka in tense reporter exchange: "You weren't paying attention"

Brooks Koepka was involved in a somewhat tense exchange with a reporter in Singapore when he was asked about his relationship with former LIV Golf teammate.

Ben Smith

04 May 2024

Brooks Koepka appeared to get a little bit hot under the collar with a reporter after he took the 36-hole lead at LIV Golf Singapore.

The American five-time major champion carded a bogey-free seven-under 64 at Sentosa Golf Club.

It left the 34-year-old on 12-under at the summit, three strokes clear of Thomas Pieters, Adrian Meronk, Abraham Ancer and Matthew Wolff heading into the final round.

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Koepka found himself grouped with the aforementioned Wolff for the final 18 holes and a reporter couldn't help but ask about the spicy side plot.

Wolff was a part of Koepka's Smash team in 2023 but the duo clashed after the team captain accused the youngster of not trying hard enough in practice and giving up when the going got tough.

Koepka said Wolff had talent but it didn't matter because it was wasted.

For his part, Wolff said the public criticism was heartbreaking. But he has found a new home with Bubba Watson's RangeGoats.

A reporter asked Koepka about the 'interesting' final round pairing.

"You weren't playing attention last week because I played with him," Koepka said firmly.

He added: "Look, I have no problem with Matt.

"We just didn't gel, see eye to eye on how things were or how I thought they should be. I've always liked him as a person."

He added: "I think he's a great kid. I've said that to a bunch of people even behind closed doors during everything last year.

"It was a good thing for him to leave the team and go to the RangeGoats, and it was a good thing for our team.

"Look, he's fine. He seems to be playing better, in a better head space, better form, better everything. Look, I don't have any ill will towards him at all."

If Koepka does claim victory tomorrow it will be his third overall with the breakaway tour.

Koepka claimed LIV Golf Jeddah in their inaugural campaign and won again in Orlando last year.

But results this year have been mixed and he has only posted one top five finish.

Uncharacteristically for Koepka, he was a non-factor at the 2024 Masters, firing rounds of 73-73-76-75 for a T-45 finish.

Koepka labelled his performance at Augusta National 'embarrassing' and he even apologised to his team.

He said earlier in the week there is only one thing he truly cares about now and that is peaking for the forthcoming PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

Koepka is one of nine LIV players in the field.

"I guess I've gone back-to-back at the PGA and the U.S. Open," Koepka said.

"Hopefully looking to do it again. I don't know if it's ever been done, but it would be kind of a cool thing.

"I've tried to three-peat. Not very good at it, out here and at the majors."

He added: "I think the embarrassment of Augusta really kicked things into overdrive for me and really having to put my nose down and grind it a little bit harder and having to look my team in the eye and apologize.

"I'm not looking to do that again."

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