RORY IS NO RIVAL

BROOKS KOEPKA aimed a swipe at Rory McIlroy’s bid to fuel a rivalry between the pair, saying: “He hasn’t won a Major for five years.”

World No1 Koepka was dismissive of the Northern Irishman’s claim their duel to be the world’s best golfer was rooted in fierce competition.

McIlroy, right, stoked the fire by saying he used a grudge mentality to clinch the FedEx Cup at East Lake in August.

After being voted PGA Tour player of the year, McIlroy said: “[Koepka] talked about trying to be the game’s dominant player. I thought, ‘He’s going to have to go through me first’. If that’s

both of our mentalities going forward, I think it’s good for the game.” But Koepka, who has won all his four Majors in the past three years, kicked the notion into the long rough. The American, preparing to defend the CJ Cup

MAJOR MISS: Rory McIlroy has not won a big one since 2014 in South Korea, said: “I’ve been out here for what, five years – and Rory hasn’t won a Major since I’ve been on the PGA Tour, so I just don’t view it as a rivalry.

“I’m not looking at anybody behind me. I’m No1 in the world, I’ve got an open road in front of me and I’m not looking in the rear-view mirror.

“If fans call it a rivalry, that’s on them – and it could be fun. I love Rory, he’s a great player and fun to watch, but it’s hard to believe there’s a rivalry in golf. I just don’t see it.”

World No2 McIlroy was surprised to be named player of the year after Koepka, above, had equalled his four Majors at the USPGA. McIlroy said: “I thought maybe Brooks winning that one was going to be the difference-maker but the players thought differently.” McIlroy’s last Major win was the USPGA in 2014, when Koepka was still fighting to earn his PGA card on the European Tour.

But only he and Tiger Woods have won the season-long FedEx Cup more than once.