We’re just two days away from the fifth edition of Capital One’s The Match between Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, and the somewhat dormant feud between the two is starting to heat up. Koepka, per usual, is not holding back with the nuclear-grade trash talk ahead of the grudge match.
Earlier this week, Koepka fielded questions about the upcoming exhibition from six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who will hang up his spikes and take a seat in the TV booth for the Brooks vs. Bryson duel.
Koepka explained that he’s most excited about being able to trade jabs with Bryson during the event.
“This is a different form of golf where trash talk is more than welcome,” he told Mickelson. “I can say anything to him and not feel bad about ruining the guy’s round or anything like that.”
That prompted Mickelson to note that unlike previous installments of The Match that ran 18 holes — or the original Tiger-Phil Match that went 19 — Friday’s match will be limited to 12 holes, something that Koepka was rumored to have requested.
Koepka essentially confirmed those rumors to Phil while throwing a personal volley at Bryson, saying, “Playing 12 holes is nice, I mean it’s better than playing 18 holes with Bryson. Anything to spend less time him I’m happy to do.”
And while he’s “looking forward to the talking,” even 12 holes might be too much DeChambeau for Koepka to handle. He even suggested his ideal length would be much shorter, with another one-liner tossed in Bryson’s direction.
“There’s nothing more I would love than to walk away after seven holes.”
A seven-hole dusting would be a bit of letdown for the rivalry that has been brewing for more than a year. Though Koepka would have you believe it’s not much of a rivalry after all, especially when it comes to his lead over Bryson in major wins.
“I wouldn’t say it’s that big of a rivalry,” Koepka told Mickelson. “I mean when you’ve got 4-1 and the 1 was during Covid and I didn’t play? So, I don’t know how big of a rivalry that could be. When you win a major and I’m there then it might be more credible.”
But actions speak louder than words, and the onslaught of trash-talk is proof that Koepka cares more about his ongoing battle with DeChambeau than he is letting on.
He even revealed during Mickelson’s call that he’s been doing his research ahead of the match, both in preparation for the golf and the mic’d up jawing.
“I’ve always done my research before I speak. So I’m going to keep doing it. But just know that this is going to be different than any other event. He better watch out. He better watch out on the golf course and on the microphone.”
The Brooks vs. Bryson Match kicks off on Friday, November 16, at 4 p.m. ET on TNT. You can watch Phil’s full pre-match interview with Koepka and DeChambeau below.
