Brooks Koepka responds to Rory McIlroy's 'duplicitous' comments: 'He can think whatever he wants'

Brooks Koepka's move to LIV Golf prompted Rory McIlroy to call him "duplicitous", but the American has hit back saying you "can't hate on him" for making the right decision for him and his family. Koepka added that "opinions change" when asked about the Northern Irishman's comments, which had questioned why Koepka had joined LIV after initially seeming against the idea.

Brooks Koepka has hit back at Rory McIlroy for labelling the American's move to LIV Golf as "duplicitous".

Koepka's move to the Saudi Arabia-backed series was announced on June 22, but the four-time major winner was one of the more unexpected defectors.

Speaking in February, Koepka had said that he was "very happy" on the PGA Tour - not the only time he had stated his reluctance to join LIV this year - but said that he had now changed his mind, citing a wish to spend more time at home as one of his reasons.

Olympic Games Paris 2024

‘Golf’s coming out party’ – McIlroy says Paris Olympics ‘unlike any other tournament’

04/08/2024 at 19:29

Talking ahead of this week's latest LIV event near Portland at the Pumpkin Ridge Club, Koepka said: "I've got respect for Rory as a player. He's good. He's phenomenal.

"I'll be honest with you, I didn't see it [McIlroy's comments]. I didn't hear about it until basically like a day ago.

"He's entitled to his opinion. He can think whatever he wants. He's going to do what's best for him and his family, I'm going to do what's best for me and my family - you can't hate on anybody for that.

"And like I said, opinions change."

Also speaking ahead of the Portland event was Bryson DeChambeau, who was largely singing from the same hymn sheet.

Bryson DeChambeau

Image credit: Getty Images

"I respect everyone's opinions and decisions, just like I hope they would on our side as well," DeChambeau said.

"Everybody's entitled to their own opinions and from my perspective, we're golfers.

"We're providing entertainment globally and we'll continue to do so as time goes on."

Olympic Games Paris 2024

Olympic golf round 4 tee times and groupings - When are Rahm, Fleetwood and McIlroy playing?

04/08/2024 at 00:00

Golf

'Something you don't see every day!' - LIV Golf commentators amused before putt as hole already full

13 hours ago