STERLING (Va.) — Bryson deChambeau, perhaps the most unlikely of opponents, congratulated Brooks Koepka on his 5th major championship in a career.
The feud between these two golfers was one of the most interesting subplots for years. In recent months, however, it appears that their relationship has changed.
DeChambeau responded in a press conference on Wednesday, “I’m going give respect where it is due” when asked why he returned to the 18th hole to congratulate Koepka.
He has won five majors and he played much better than I did that week. It was sad that nobody was there to congratulate the winner.
DeChambeau stated that the gesture is essentially about respect. However, there are some important contexts.
He added, “He is a LIV golfer and I’m one too.” “And that’s obviously a part of the equation.”
The Saudi-funded golf league is at the halfway point of its second season this week, with an event taking place at Trump National Golf Club. Kopeka’s victory at the PGA Championship gave everyone associated with Team LIV a reason to celebrate – including the two men at the center the golf world’s most public dispute.
The victory, which made Koepka one of only 20 men in history to have won at least five majors, has become a rallying call for LIV golf. The 54-hole format has been a long-standing feature of the league. Koepka’s win, the first major for a LIV player, highlighted both the foxhole mindset that exists amongst its players, and the tension between the LIV and the rest.
“Koepka’s win” proves we can compete in major championships. “Proves the schedule is good for us to be able to win major championships,” DeChambeau said, who tied for fourth place at the PGA Championship.
“It’s still an individual sport but it has a team element now.” It’s amazing to see (LIV golfers), not only playing for their own teams, but also for an organization which deserves to be viewed in a more positive light.
Koepka stated on Instagram that in February, he and DeChambeau “squashed their proverbial ‘beef” in part due to their shared interest in the LIV. I actually speak to him quite often because of the things that are happening here at LIV. Koepka stated that he spoke to Koepka “every other day”.
The LIV golfers’ interaction on Sunday was the latest proof of this, as they have learned to take pride in each other’s successes.
Koepka’s win, which helped him gain a boost in his world ranking, reignited the LIV vs. PGA Tour arguments that had been simmering within the sport. Should LIV golfers like Koepka be allowed to play in the Ryder Cup if they qualify later this year? They should earn world ranking points for their performance in LIV events like the one starting Friday. Do their 54-hole tournaments represent a drop in preparation or level of play?
Cameron Smith, a LIV golfer who told reporters on Sunday, said: “I stopped pursuing that narrative six months ago.” “We’re out there.” “We haven’t forgotten how to play golf.”
Charles Howell III is a member of DeChambeau’s LIV team. He said that despite the fact that LIV golfers play fewer holes in each event, they are still “working as hard or harder” now than when they played on the PGA Tour. He sees LIV’s shorter schedule as an asset.
Howell stated that “I know the majors have traditionally had 72 holes but it is not sacred.” “Fifty four holes can in a sense be more pressure because it is condensed, and you cannot afford to have a poor run of nine or so holes”
LIV Golf, and its players, have been widely criticized over the last 18 months. The league – funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – has used contract offers of eight and nine figure sums to lure marquee names from the PGA Tour. This has created a schism within the sport which has spilled out into federal court .
Saudi Arabia is accused of a wide range of human rights violations, including torture, forced disappearances, and inhumane treatment for prisoners. Saudi Arabia’s royal family, as well as the Saudi government, were accused of being involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was a Saudi columnist and journalist who worked for the Washington Post.
LIV Golf also drew some criticism in the political sphere for playing on courses owned by the former president Donald Trump. This weekend’s tournament at Trump National marks the first of three events that will take place at Trump properties during this year.
DeChambeau is a 29-year-old LIV player, along with Dustin Johnson. Phil Mickelson. Patrick Reed. and Koepka. He was booed loudly when he teed-off Saturday at the PGA Championship. This was ostensibly because of his role with LIV.
He grinned when asked Wednesday about the boos.
“When you speak about ethics, this is what people perceive.” “I completely disagree, but everyone has the right of their own opinion,” said he. Was it worth it?” Absolutely. It’s been more than I imagined. It’s only going to get better. “I think you’ll be able to see, over time, what a positive impact and good we are having.”
