From popular four-time major winner to “full villain”, Brooks Koepka has certainly not held back with his view on moving full-time to the LIV Tour.

• Related: LIV stars give bizarre non-answer to Chamblee’s prize money claim before moderator steps in

At the US Open, he lambasted reporters for asking questions about the league, saying he simply wanted to concentrate on his golf at Brookline, and yet soon after he deleted any connection to the PGA Tour from his Twitter account, prompting Rory McIlroy to call the group of rebels “duplicitous.”

• Related: Pat Perez shuts down reporter with ultra blunt response at LIV presser

Following yesterday’s LIV press conference, social media, and Twitter in particular, has gone haywire.

No Laying Up reports on the Koepka’s comment, “You guys will never believe me, but we never even had the conversation (on LIV) until after the U.S. Open,”  and questions, “So the conversation *began* on Monday, June 20, and his twitter profile was scrubbed the same day?”

Koepka today: "You guys will never believe me, but we never even had the conversation (on LIV) until after the U.S. Open."

So the conversation *began* on Monday, June 20, and his twitter profile was scrubbed the same day ? https://t.co/TaG3ER4dvr

— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) June 28, 2022

Why has Koepka agreed to join the LIV series as opposed to staying with the PGA Tour?

“Having more breaks, having … more time at home to make sure I’m 100% before I go play an event. I don’t feel like I’m forced to play right away.”

As one Twitter user pointed out, Brooks has “played 10 days of golf in three months.”

As for his response to Rory’s comments, Koepka does show some respect for play of the recent Canadian Open champion, if not his views.

“Look, I got respect for Rory as a player. He’s good. He’s phenomenal. I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t see it (the “duplicitous” comment). I didn’t hear about it until basically like a day ago.

So, look, 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 and can’t hate on anybody for that, and like I said, opinions change.”

Bob Irving, the ‘voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ wasn’t shy in giving his view on the presser:  

There has been much debate in regard to whether the LIV Golf Series players get to keep their prize money, or if the tournament winnings come out of their signing bonus.

• Related: LIV pros accuse Brandel Chamblee of lying in fiery social media spat

The rumblings began when Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee claimed that Charl Schwartzel “didn’t actually win 4.7 million for his victory at LIV Golf’s inaugural event at the Centurion Club.

 

(Note: This tweet has now been deleted by Chamblee)

Former Tour caddie Michael Collins responded to Chamblee’s claim, stating that he was lying about the subject.

BRANDEL CHAMBLEE IS LYING (shocker?)
Quote from an LIV player:
“1000% not true!! Our guarantee is totally apart from what we make on the course.”
And the photo of the text exchange is with a LIV employee. https://t.co/tgRoBLp8vL pic.twitter.com/0hZzNBhTPn

— Michael Collins (@ESPNCaddie) June 26, 2022

On Tuesday’s pre-tournament press conference for LIV Golf Portland, Brooks Koepka was asked to clarify whether or not the prize money was in addition to the signing bonus, strangely responding “I don’t know — it’s irrelevant”

Q. It’s been reported by people that there is a — your signing bonuses versus the draw, meaning what you win comes out of your signing bonus or vice versa. That’s supposedly in your guys’ contracts. Can you confirm if that’s actually true or not?

Koepka: That’s not — no. No.

Q. Just to confirm, Brooks, you’re saying it’s not the case?

Koepka: No. I don’t know — it’s irrelevant.

Q. Okay. And the rest of you guys?

Perez: (Shook head).

Q. The only reason I ask you is because both Keith Pelley, Jay Monahan and you can name other people keep saying that we’re miss- reporting stuff all the time, and the reason is is because every time we ask a question we can’t get answers or people don’t want to talk about the specific issues. That’s why I’m asking.

Koepka: I heard that rumor on Monday morning at the U.S. Open. I also heard I was in London on Saturday or Sunday before. I mean, that was on Monday. Just saying. You can’t believe everything you hear.

After that the contentious exchange, the moderator entered the conversation to clarify the answer while telling the three LIV players they should know since it’s in their contract.

Moderator: I just wanted to address Alex’s question earlier when you were asking about the prize purses and if they are in addition to the contracts. The prize purses are in addition to. There is no draw at LIV Golf on any finances.

Perez: Chamblee was banging that drum the other day.

Moderator: We just wanted to, on the record, it’s in addition to. And while you guys have, this is your first event, but you should know that from your contracts. You can attest to it. Thank you guys.

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Whilst golfers are never meant to be politicians, the furore over the LIV Golf Series has meant players’ press conferences have created one hell of an uproar on social media.

• Related: LIV stars give bizarre non-answer to Chamblee’s prize money claim before moderator steps in

From Phil’s infamous comments to Rory’s disappointment over ‘duplicitous’ players, from the USGA permitting LIV players into the PGA Championship to the most recent alliance between the PGA and DP World tours, press conferences and releases continue to go back and forth. Words are important.

With just two days to go to the start of the second LIV event at Pumpkin Ridge, Portland, a LIV presser involving Pat Perez, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed has grabbed the headlines.

After mentioning the “club players that have resigned” and the “9/11 survivors” who have protested against the Saudi involvement in golf, a reporter asked new recruits Perez and Koepka, “whether golfers should be participating in this?”

He continued, “Do you have any comments that you are supporting a country with a really bad human rights?”

Perez bluntly states, “No.”

Asked to explain, he is blunt in his response.

“I’m playing golf. This group has given me the opportunity to play golf and have a different schedule. That’s my only concern.”

To silence, the 46-year-old perhaps realizes the effect of his initial statement.

“So yeah, I understand the topic you are trying to bring up and the horrible events but…I’m here to play golf. That’s my job.”

Again, a moment of silence before four-time major champion, Kopeka, speaks:

“Pretty much spot on what Pat said – same thing. I mean we’re here to play golf – we’re excited about it. We’re going to put on the best show we can put on and hopefully one of us is up here on Saturday with the win.”

Incredible answer. pic.twitter.com/YBUkxlRkKr

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) June 28, 2022

As Porter says on his tweet, an “incredible answer.”

More from the 19th Hole

• ‘Hey Cypress, we took your best shot!’ – Golfer plays Cypress Point in 70mph howling wind
• The chaotic F1 season finale explained in golf terms is absolutely hilarious
• ‘Don’t drink and order Taco Bell on Uber Eats’ – John Daly’s Taco Bell order is pretty incredible