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Brooks Koepka knows how to seize an opportunity.

Whether it’s propelling himself into contention to win another major championship – as he did in today’s second round of The Open – or taking a shot at arch-nemesis Bryson DeChambeau, he almost always delivers.

We’ll get to the golf in a moment. First, the pantomime.

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• DeChambeau ‘deeply regrets’ equipment comments

Speaking to the Golf Channel after his Friday round at Royal St George’s, four-time major champion Koepka was full of praise for one particular club in his bag.

“Drove the ball great – love my driver,” said the 28-year-old, a hint of a smile forming at the corners of his mouth.

Here’s the clip…

Make no mistake, this was no commercially-savvy act of sponsor brown-nosing on Brooks’ behalf. 

Rather it was a deliberate dig at DeChambeau who caused a stramash on day one of the championship when he blasted that his driver “sucks”. It was a comment that prompted one of the senior figures at equipment sponsor Cobra to compare him to a petulant eight-year-old. DeChambeau quickly apologised.

• Police step in to rescue Sergio at St George’s

Koepka, you might remember, made a similar sly dig on Twitter two weeks ago, when he tweeted praise for his caddie Ricky Elliott just hours after DeChambeau parted ways with his long-time looper Tim Tucker.

But enough of the psychodrama.

In the main event, Koepka has positioned himself for a weekend charge up the leaderboard as he goes in search of major win number five.

• R&A drafts in army to beef up Open security

He closed with three birdies on the spin – and four in his final five holes – to card a four-under 66 and reach five-under for the championship. That leaves him just five shots off the pace currently being set by 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen.

Victory this week would move Koepka to within a Masters victory of completing the career grand slam.


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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