Golf

Brooks Koepka’s message to one-time rival Bryson DeChambeau after his US Open win

Brooks Koepka is tipping his hat to his one-time rival.

Moments after Bryson DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open title on Sunday at Pinehurst No. 2, Koepka posted a supportive message on social media to the newly minted two-time major champion.

“Welcome to the club 2x @usopengolf champ @b_dechambeau,” Koepka wrote on X alongside an older photograph of the golfers embracing.

Koepka, 34, won back-to-back U.S. Open titles in 2017 and ’18.

DeChambeau, 30, claimed his first in 2020.

Koepka and DeChambeau, who both play on the LIV Golf circuit, have come a long way since their feuding days years ago.

During a 2019 podcast interview, Koepka had bemoaned DeChambeau’s slow pace.

Bryson DeChambeau (L) and Brooks Koepka (R) pose for photos during Capital One’s The Match V in 2021. Getty Images

“I just don’t understand how it takes a minute and 20 seconds, a minute and 15 to hit a golf ball; it’s not that hard,” Koepka told Michael Weston on Golf Monthly’s podcast

DeChambeau later took jabs at Koepka’s physique in a 2020 Twitch steam, implying he was unimpressed by Koepka’s ESPN Body Issue photo shoot from 2019.

“I don’t know if his genetics even make him look good to be honest… I mean on Body Issue he didn’t even have any abs, I can tell you that,” DeChambeau said. “I got some abs.” 

In response, Koepka posted a photo on X of his four major trophies, two of which were from his PGA Championship wins in 2018 and ’19, and wrote: “You were right @b_dechambeau I am 2 short of a 6 pack!”

Tensions peaked at the 2021 PGA Championship, resulting in a Koepka eye-roll etched in modern history.

When speaking to the Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, Koepka rolled his eyes after losing his train of thought mid-interview due to the sound of DeChambeau’s metal spikes click-clacking.

“Sometimes, um — I lost my train of thought, hearing that bulls–t,” Koepka said, according to footage of the exchange posted on social media. “F–king Christ.”

Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in 2023. Brooks Koepka/Instagram

The golf stars were paired during the third round of the 2023 PGA Championship, which Koepka won, and appeared completely cordial.

That same year, Koepka posted a wholesome pic of the two together on Instagram, with DeChambeau putting an arm around the five-time major champion.

DeChambeau had support from Koepka and the fans on Sunday in North Carolina, where he edged out Rory McIlroy with a 6-under par.

Bryson DeChambeau after winning the U.S. Open golf tournament Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. AP

“Tonight,” he said after the win, per AP, “I want all of you guys somehow, I want you guys to touch this trophy, because I want you to experience what this feels like for me. You were a part of this journey this week, and I want you to be a part of it for the after-party.”

DeChambeau entered the U.S. Open coming off a second-place finish at the PGA Championship and a sixth-place finish at the 2024 Masters.