COACH SAYS DECHAMBEAU WANTS TO BURY HATCHET WITH KOEPKA
Bryson DeChambeau wants to end to his long-running feud with four-time major winner and US teammate Brooks Koepka, his coach Mike Schy said.
DeChambeau has been involved in public rows with Koepka for more than a year, with US Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker having to step in last month to broker peace between them.
The feud started when Koepka once called out DeChambeau for slow play, while DeChambeau made fun of Koepka’s physique in a magazine interview.
That picked up steam following a leaked interview Koepka recorded with the Golf Channel in May. As DeChambeau walked behind the camera, Koepka rolled his eyes and made obvious his distaste for the player.
“Whether or not they are both doing it to maximize their global profile, Bryson wants it over,” Schy told the Times newspaper on Monday. “Move on. The bottom line is two big egos.”
Schy said DeChambeau can give the impression that he is a “little selfish” because of his mannerisms, but the 28-yearold is trying his best to contribute to the US team as they prepare for this week’s Ryder Cup.
DeChambeau, the world No. 7, will make his second appearance at the Ryder Cup, a biennial team competition between the United States and Europe, which will be held at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin on Friday.
“He loves team play. At times, when he’s struggling, it can look a little selfish, but the reality is he is doing his best to contribute,” Schy said.
Schy said that DeChambeau, who won last year’s US Open, “loves representing his country” and was disappointed to miss the Tokyo Olympics after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Max Homa won the Professional Golfers’ Association Tour’s season opening Fortinet Championship after firing a seven-under-par 65 on Sunday. It was the third career win for Homa, who tallied 19-under 269 for a one-shot win over Maverick McNealy.
McNealy, who submitted a final round 68, had a three-shot lead over Homa going into the back nine but couldn’t hold on.