Brooks Koepka uses Rory McIlroy example to accuse media of double standards

Brooks Koepka hit out at the ‘lack of creativity’ in the media as he suggested there is a double standard between himself and Rory McIlroy.

The five-time Major winner declined requests to speak to news outlets following Thursday’s opening round of the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

Koepka started off strongly in North Carolina where he held a share of the lead after ten holes, but was forced to settle for a level-par 70 having bogeyed three out of four in his back nine.

McIlroy meanwhile is level with Patrick Cantlay at the top of standings after the pair carded an impressive five-under.

As his colleagues opted to speak to the media, Koepka was in no mood, and instead agreed to a text interview with Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch.

Explaining his reasoning in the messages released by Lynch, the 34-year-old said: “I opted not to do ‘em just because I didn’t feel like it. Same questions every week.

“The lack of creativity with questions is kinda boring. I know I’m not a media favourite either so it’s not like anyone will notice. LOL.”

Later on in the exchange, Lynch suggested whether there was an element of self pity in the two-time US Open champion’s answer.

To which he referenced McIlroy by saying: “That’s a stretch. Rory didn’t talk to media at LACC [in the 2023 US 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.”

Koepka was then pressed as to whether he will engage in any interviews during this tournament, something that McIlroy did for the following three rounds of last year’s competition.

Firing a witty response, he quipped: “If I feel like it, yeah. When you have five majors you can skip another day if ya want. LOL.”

Lynch then joked that Koepka could always converse with him over text again, with the latter simply stating: “Nobody really cares what I have to say.”

It led the former to ask if Koepka is asking for a ‘pity party’, with the Florida native responding: “No, I’m being honest. Most golf fans don’t live or die on my statements.

“I’m not Tiger Woods or Scottie Scheffler. And Rory [McIlroy]. Everyone else is kind of an afterthought.

“I’m just not oblivious. Because that’s who I would wanna hear from. I wouldn’t be one I’d want to hear from.

“I’m good at removing myself from the situation and understanding as a fan.”