Rory McIlroy took the high road when asked to address Brooks Koepka’s comments about the pair’s rivalry on the PGA TOUR or, rather, lack thereof.
Straight-talking Koepka created waves when downplaying an emerging rivalry between the pair, saying: ‘I’ve been out here for what, five years. Rory hasn’t won a Major since I’ve been on the PGA TOUR … so I don’t view it as a rivalry.’
While the comment spread through social media, the subject of the matter was less concerned.
The World No 2, who has four Major wins to his name, was not perturbed by what many considered to be a sharp jab to his ego.
‘What Brooks said wasn’t wrong. He’s been the best player in the world the last couple of years, four Majors … ,’ McIlroy said.
‘I don’t think he had to remind me that I hadn’t won one in a while but I love Brooks, he’s a great guy, obviously super competitive like we all are.
‘If you take what Brooks said out of context then obviously it can become this big thing it has become, but Brooks and I are good. We are good friends and I’ve been really happy for him to see how good he has played over the last couple of years.’
McIlroy won the FedExCup for the second time this year with Koepka, still No 1 according to the latest rankings, adding another Major to his tally when he walked away with the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black.
The Northern Irishman was named the Player of the Year for his efforts in 2019.
