Brooks Koepka doesn’t talk to Pinehurst, but he texts us

PINEHURST, N.C. — At one point in the first round of the U.S. Open, Brooks Koepka found himself in a familiar position: at the top of the leaderboard. But three late bogeys left him tied for 70. Afterward, he declined requests for media interviews. He says it’s not because he was irritated that the round was slipping away from him – he’s just annoyed by the routine questions. I suggested a text interview. He agreed and was everything you would expect: frank, combative and unfiltered.

Text by Eamon Lynch: You chose not to grant media interviews after the first round. For what?

Text by Brooks Koepka: I chose not to do them simply because I didn’t feel like it. Same questions every week. The lack of creativity with the questions is rather annoying. I know I’m not a media favorite either, so it’s not like anyone would notice. LOL.

How creative should the questions be when asking someone about a game of golf? Is this just your bulletin board material for the week so you can get motivated?

Absolutely not. It’s a major. I have enough personal motivation. I could think of much more creative questions than “Do you think the course is borderline?” » What happened with those bogeys? What went well?’ Then some questions about LIV versus the PGA Tour.

How creative are the post-round questions on LIV?

I really haven’t done a lot of media, to be honest. PGA (Championship) was the last time I had media. It’s not about punishment. I always respond and I didn’t really feel like it this week. Just to be clear.

So what’s the first creative question you’d ask yourself after today’s tour?

Do you think Bermuda made this course easier or more difficult? (Note: The number 2 greens have been changed from bent grass to Bermuda grass for this Open.)

It’s not very creative. But regardless, were you upset that the round got away from you or happy with the even-par score?

I wasn’t trying to be creative. If you want me to get creative, I can. It’s not my job, but if I have 10, I can think of something since the media has all day.

It suited me. Obviously it could have been better, but even par in a US Open won’t hurt you.

Does a particular aspect of your game seem strong to you today? Or for that matter weak.

I felt in control of the iron game. Brain fart at 13 and 15. I just didn’t do much wrong. I missed it where I wanted. Sixteen was my bad drive of the day and I had no luck in the hometown area, and that’s what you get when you get there. Just part of Pinehurst and what makes it good.

It’s more that I don’t care to do it. Everyone refuses interviews. I never do. I prefer to come back, rest and spend time relaxing. Not angry at all. I hope it’s clear. I also declined my press conference this week.

Shall we come back to this? It’s clear. So, what do you do after the tour besides answering text messages?

Hanging out with the crew. He just came down to take a nap. Jena works out and I do my routine. Take a dip and get ready for the hockey game.

Are you having any issues with the course layout today or do you foresee any issues with the upcoming heat?

I thought today was good. I don’t see any problem if the greens stay at the same speed. They will become firmer. It’s a US Open. It just means you have to hit the fairways.

So if we hear someone say the price was borderline, then it’s just whining?

No, I don’t think they’re complaining. The US Open is still getting closer to the finish line. It’s just a question of whether it will be crossed. It’s playable if you’re in the fairways. I just can’t get greens that much faster if they have to be firmer. I have to choose one. I don’t know which one they will choose. I suppose firmness. Greens can’t go much faster because it limits pin placement.

Do you have a score in mind that you would like to participate in on Sunday night?

Yes, the best. Hard to say. It depends on whether the wind picks up or gets stronger. I’d say 4-under wins.

If you have the best score, will you get an interview?

Probably not. LOL. Who knows?

This could cause the media to attack you.

They already do it.

Cry me a river.

I’m not asking for a pity party.

It looks a bit like this.

It’s exaggerated. Rory didn’t speak to the media at LACC (during the 2023 US Open) and everyone was talking about how it was because he wanted to focus. Whenever I do, I get angry at the media, which is not true. I just didn’t want to do it. But my story will be this: I am angry at the media.

Maybe you should smile more.

I’m working. When I’m done, I’ll smile.

Any LIV-PGA Tour questions you’d like me to ask before I take a nap?

I’m not going to take a nap, I’m not Crew. You are the interviewer.

Do you think a PIF deal will happen with the Tour?

I think it will, but there’s too much to figure out, so it won’t happen for a while. The deal could be signed quickly, but it will take some time to iron out the details. This is just my opinion, I don’t know. You may know more than me.

By the way, Rory didn’t do a press conference at the LACC or an interview after the first round, but he did over the last three days. Will we hear from you tomorrow? Assuming you’re not in the air at home.

If I feel like it, yeah. When you have five majors, you can skip another day if you wish. LOL.

If you skip, we can start again. I’m sure America needs your news.

No one really cares what I have to say.

Too bad for you ?

No, I’m honest. Most golf fans neither live nor die by my statements. I’m not Tiger Woods or Scottie Scheffler. And Rory. Everyone is sort of an afterthought. I’m just not oblivious. Because he’s the one I’d like to hear from. I wouldn’t be the one I want to hear about. I’m good at removing myself from the situation and understanding as a fan.

We can test this theory tomorrow. In a creative way, of course.

You are not creative.

You are.

Thank you dad.