Why Brooks Koepka Won’t Return Tiger Woods’ Texts

Brooks Koepka definitely golfs to his own tune. He openly admits not trying as hard to win a non-major as he does for one of golf’s big four. And, outside of feeling slighted by the media, Koepka doesn’t appear to care what others think.

The latest example was yesterday when none other than Tiger Woods asked to join Brooks and his caddie (who is a member at Royal Portrush) to gain some local knowledge. Golf.com’s Dylan Dethier has the humorous details.

The subject came up during Woods’ press conference on Tuesday at Royal Portrush, when he was asked if he’d gotten any local knowledge from Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell or Koepka’s caddie Ricky Elliott, who hails from Portrush. Woods laughed.

“No, I have not,” he said, pausing for a moment before deciding to share what had popped to mind.

“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. But from Koepka’s perspective, that was a no-go.

“I’ve heard nothing,” Woods finished.

I’m liking Brooksie more each day.

Here are his thoughts on preparing for majors and non-majors via GolfChannel’s Rex Hoggard.

“I just practice before the majors. Regular tournaments I don’t practice. If you’ve seen me on TV [at a regular PGA Tour event], that’s when I play golf,” he said on Tuesday at Royal Portrush.

“That happens week in and week out. And majors I like to play the week before and find a rhythm, build a rhythm,” he said. “I’m usually ready for majors.”