AUGUSTA, Ga. — It started, as all peace accords do, with a bit of back-channel diplomacy. Brooks Koepka had just won the LIV Orlando event, making him the all-time leader in LIV Golf wins (two). His phone buzzed Sunday night, and waiting there was a congratulatory message from Rory McIlroy, standard-bearer for the PGA Tour and avowed opponent of all things LIV.
In the course of their texting, McIlroy asked Koepka to meet for a pre-Masters practice round on Tuesday, and shortly after noon, the two teed off — along with amateur Gordon Sargent — under low gray skies.
“I think everybody forgets that we see each other in off weeks and play with each other and talk with each other,” Koepka said after his round. “There's an open line of communication there between me and him. I think we're both pretty honest in where we're at.” The distance weighed on Koepka’s mind, too. “We haven't played with these guys in a long time, so just getting out to go play with them has been nice because it's been a lot of just seeing everybody,” Koepka said. “It's been probably, I don't know, eight months since we've seen a lot of guys.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The haunting Masters meltdown that changed Rory McIlroy's career | CNNRory McIlroy returns to the Masters once again seeking to complete the grand slam, 12 years on from his devastating collapse at Augusta.
Read more »
LIV loses in court: ‘That certainly changes the dynamic of everything,’ says Rory McIlroyA month after a federal judge ruled that the Saudis have to reveal their financials, an arbitrator reportedly rules the DP World Tour can fine and suspend players on the European circuit.
Read more »
Rory McIlroy confident he can finally win Masters for career grand slamRory McIlroy speaks like he finally can win the Masters and win golf’s career grand slam. “I’ve got all the ingredients to make the pie.’’
Read more »
Masters Odds & Favorites 2023 — McIlroy Seeks Augusta GloryRory McIlroy is among the 2023 Masters betting favorites as he aims to complete the historic major championship grand slam. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm round out the Top 3 — read more in our full Masters odds below.
Read more »
Woods and McIlroy fly PGA Tour flag at Masters practiceTiger Woods and Rory McIlroy launched a charm offensive ahead of this week's Masters as they flew the proverbial PGA Tour flag during a practice round at Augusta National on Monday while a number of LIV Golf players also began their preparations.
Read more »
Who Will Win the Masters Tournament? Full Odds for First Golf Major of 2023Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are among the favorites to win the 2023 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
Read more »