Brooks Koepka fires subtle Rory McIlroy dig at US Open after hinting at double standards

Brooks Koepka voiced his frustrations after his first round of the US Open as he name-dropped Rory Mcllroy into conversation, before letting out an indirect dig at the world No 3.

In his first round at Pinehurst, following a promising start with three birdies within the first ten holes, the five-time major champion experienced a turn of events on the homeward strecth with three bogeys posted within four holes - meaning he finished on level par for the day.

After his round, in contrast to his rivals' routine post-round interviews, Koepka took a different approach. Choosing not to satisfy media interview requests, he instead opted for a 'text interview' with Golfweek columnist Eamon Lynch, whose subsequent article highlighted his ‘forthright, combative, and unfiltered’ words.

Koepka posited that the deciding factor in opting out of media interviews wasn't resentment but rather the lack of variety and ultimately repetitious line of questioning.

Rebuking suggestions he was ‘asking for a pity party’ Koepka fired back: "That's a stretch. Rory didn't talk to media at LACC [in the 2023 U.S. Open] and everyone was talking how it's because he wants to focus. The second I do it, I'm mad at media, which isn't true. I just didn't want to do it. But my narrative will be I'm mad at media."

In the text exchange, it was put forward to Koepka that despite McIlroy refusing to conduct interviews or a press conference after the first day of the US Open 2023 at Los Angeles Country Club, he did speak on the remaining three days. He ended second, defeated by Wyndham Clark who claimed his inaugural major title.

When asked whether he plans to speak to the media during the final three days, Koepka appeared to take a dig at McIlroy: "If I feel like it, yeah. When you have five majors you can skip another day if ya want. LOL."

Koepka's triumph at last year's US PGA Championship helped him surpass McIlroy's four major titles. While Koepka's score on Thursday was deemed 'fine', McIlroy distinguished himself with a bogey-free five-under round that has left him leading along with Patrick Cantlay.

After a steady first three holes, the four-time major winner posted two consecutive birdies, moving up the leaderboard swiftly. He then earned another trio of birdies on the back nine including an impressive finish at the 18th hole.

Koepka will be playing alongside Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas on Friday afternoon, while McIlroy will be playing in the early morning groups with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.