Rory McIlroy Once Downplayed Brooks Koepka’s Accolades Whilst Defending Dustin Johnson: ‘…Three Times What Brooks Has’
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It isn’t very often for golfers to thrash talk between days during a Major. However, the 2020 PGA Championship stands out. The Major had an intriguing final round, with combined vocal jabs from players. Let’s take a look at how Rory McIlroy came in to defend Dustin Johnson against Brooks Koepka.
Two years ago, Johnson was heading to the PGA Championship with a Green Jacket on his shoulders, which he claimed earlier that year at the Masters. Despite being a favorite to win the Major, and also leading after the penultimate round, Koepka felt DJ wasn’t going to win it.
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However, World Number one, Rory McIlroy, defended Johnson while also clapping back at Koepka.
Before McIlroy stopped him vocally, Koepka had some brutal thoughts about Johnson
After the third round at TPC Harding Park, Dustin Johnson was leading the event with only a stroke, while Koepka was two strokes behind the leader tied for 4th position. The 32-year-old was asked if he fancied watching DJ lift the PGA Championship the next day. He responded by looking at Johnson’s past experiences.
“When I’ve been in this position before, I’ve capitalized. I don’t know, (Johnson)’s only won one. I’m playing good. I don’t know, we’ll see”, said Brooks Koepka. He further mentioned that DJ has choked on his opportunity to win a Major many times in the past. “DJ has been in this spot a couple of times and he hasn’t been able to capitalize”.
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Without a doubt, Koepka’s words seemed a little personal towards the 2020 Masters winner. Though DJ didn’t have much to say, Rory McIlroy defended his then-fellow Tour star.
Rory McIlroy takes a shot at Brooks Koepka
Though the response wasn’t quick, McIlroy had some words for Brooks after the conclusion of the Major. The Northern Irish golfer mentioned in the press conference, and stated he was confused whether Koepka was playing “mind games or not”.
“If he’s trying to play mind games, he’s trying to do it to the wrong person. I don’t think DJ really gives much of a concern that”, added McIlroy. He then shared how he respects every golfer regardless of their achievements or number of Majors in the sport. According to him, “Everyone is a great player”.
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McIlroy went as far as to call into question Koepka’s own credentials in criticizing Johnson. “Yeah, I mean, sort of hard to knock a guy that’s got 21 wins on the PGA Tour, which is three times what Brooks has,” he said. Though Rory’s words may have been helpful for DJ, however, he did finish the event in the Runners-up position.
Colin Morikawa won his maiden Major after winning the 2020 PGA Championship. He finished two strokes above Dustin Johnson. Koepka who was tied to 7th position after the third round finished the event tied to 29th place. Meanwhile, McIlroy, who didn’t have a great Major by his standards, finished in the 33rd position.
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Who according to you is right? McIlroy or Koepka? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Watch This Story: Rory McIlroy Joins Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in Golf’s History Books
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Edited by:
Manaal Siddiqui
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