Brooks Koepka unbothered by Bryson’s big-hitting

Bryson DeChambeau’s incredible transformation from slim scientist to beefcake bomber has been the talk of golf ever since the PGA Tour returned from its coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

The significant gains made by the American has prompted many to openly wonder whether or not other players will be inclined to follow his lead.

Whatever happens, Brooks Koepka won’t be one of them.

Speaking ahead of this week’s 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota, the four-time major winner – himself, no slouch off the tee – was asked if he might consider adapting his game to keep up with DeChambeau.

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His reply was sharp and succinct.

“I don’t need to keep up with anybody,” said Koepka. “I’m good.” 

DeChambeau currently leads the PGA Tour in both Strokes Gained: Off-The-Tee and Driving Distance, averaging 323.8 yards from the tee this season. Koepka is currently tied-23rd and 19th in each of those categories respectively, averaging 307.3 yards.

Koepka and DeChambeau have had an uneasy relationship for some time.

During a podcast appearance in January 2019, Koepka indirectly needled DeChambeau for his pace of play at the Dubai Desert Classic.

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They were embroiled in a further pace of play controversy in the opening event of last year’s FedEx Cup Playoffs when footage of DeChambeau taking over two minutes to hit a putt at the Northern Trust went viral.

In the wake of widespread criticism, DeChambeau sought out Koepka’s caddie, Ricky Elliott, on the driving range ahead of the final round and told him to tell Koepka tom make any further comments about slow play “to my face”.

The pair were there seen talking on the range, after which they each said the issue had been settled.

More recently, DeChambeau appeared to poke fun at Koepka’s physique in January this year whilst playing the popular video game Fortnite on a live streaming service.

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“Did you see the Body Issue?” said DeChambeau, referencing the his Ryder Cup teammate’s nude appearance in ESPN magazine last year. “He didn’t have any abs. I have abs.”

DeChambeau also said that he now weighs “significantly more” Koepka, adding that the two of them “just don’t see eye to eye”.