Steve Stricker Tells Feuding Rivals to Kiss And Make Up
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 14 Jun 2021
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STEVE STRICKER has told Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau to "put their differences aside" well ahead of the Ryder Cup in September. The pair have been embroiled in an open feud since footage of Koepka's angry reaction and offensive comments towards his American rival were leaked shortly after the PGA Championship.
Koepka was being interviewed when he was stopped in his tracks as DeChambeau walked behind him, and the pair have continued to air their differences on social media. Both are certain to be teammates at the Ryder Cup.
DeChambeau was subjected to shouts of 'Brooksy' from fans at The Memorial, leading to many being removed by security which prompted Koepka to offer cases of free beer to those who were thrown out.
Both have downplayed the exchanges, with Koepka insisting that their fractured relationship would not affect the performance of the US team at Whistling Straits, but American captain Stricker has made it clear that he wants them to kiss and make up.
"It's not making my job any easier, you know?” Stricker said. "I haven't talked to either one of them, but I will have to at some point. We'll see where it goes from there. Hopefully, they can put their differences aside for the week, be big boys and come together as a team."
Stricker admits he is unlikely to pair Koepka and DeChambeau together during the Ryder Cup, but he is fully aware of the importance of team unity.
"Obviously, I probably wouldn't pair them together, but I think as the team room goes, you want everybody on board," Stricker added. "You can't have an outlier, or outliers, making trouble for everybody else. But I'm sure they're big men and they can put their differences aside and go from there."
The bad news for Stricker is that Koepka insists the dispute with DeChambeau is "good for the game" and claimed the coverage of their war of words would appeal to a younger generation.
"I think that's a good thing. It's growing the game. I get the traditionalists who don't agree with it, I understand that, but I think to grow the game you've got to reach out to the younger generation.
"I don't want to say that's what this is, but it's reaching out to a whole bunch of people. It's getting golf in front of people. I think it's good for the game."
About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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