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If any doubts remain over Brooks Koepka’s single-mindedness when it comes to winning majors, this should put paid to them once and for all.

Ahead of this week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush, 15-time major winner Tiger Woods revealed that he had asked Koepka if he could join him for a practice round.

Woods was hoping to get some insight into the course from Koepka’s caddie, Ricky Elliott, who hails from Portrush.

Brooks, though, saw right through the request.

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“I texted Brooksy [after the US Open] ‘Congratulations on another great finish’,” explained Woods. “What he’s done in the last four major championships has been just unbelievable. To be so consistent, so solid. He’s been in contention to win each and every major championship,

“And I said, ‘Hey dude, do you mind if I tag along and play a practice round [at Portrush?’ I’ve heard nothing.”

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Woods also revealed that he feels a little under-prepared as he makes a bid for major No.16 this week. The 43-year-old hasn’t played competitively since the US Open four weeks ago and admits that he’s coming in rusty.

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“My game is not quite as sharp as I’d like to have it,” he said. “I still need to get the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now. Today was a good range session, I need another one tomorrow, and hopefully that will be enough to be ready.”


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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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