Brooks Koepka explains why he hasn’t been returning Tiger Woods’ texts

July 19, 2019

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Brooks Koepka cleared the air Thursday on why he hasn’t been returning texts from Tiger Woods. Rather than gamesmanship, Koepka said, this was a simple case of a new phone number.

The back-and-forth began during Woods’ Open Championship pre-tournament press conference Tuesday, when he was asked a question about Koepka’s success.

“Tell you a funny story. I texted Brooksy, ‘Congratulations on another great finish.’ 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?'”

The implication was that Woods would enjoy Koepka’s company and potentially pick up some local knowledge in the process from Koepka’s caddie Ricky Elliott, a Portrush native.

“I’ve heard nothing,” Woods finished.

Brooks Koepka is back in the driver's seat at the 2019 Open Championship.

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After his round on Thursday, Koepka joined SkySports and explained where the mixup had occurred.

“I changed it at the U.S. Open when somebody leaked it. I got about 40 text messages so I changed it Monday night and I didn’t let many people know. We don’t text that often so I didn’t get any of the text messages. But I texted him on Wednesday from the new number and he texted me back.

“Don’t worry, we’re good.”

On Thursday, the two appeared to be playing different games. Woods posted 7-over 78, effectively ending his championship hopes in the process. By contrast, Koepka cruised to a worry-free 3-under 68, which put him in the thick of things. With luck, he’ll be in position to get another congratulatory text from Woods come Sunday.

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