DeChambeau vs Kepka "Rival Showdown This Weekend"... What About Mickelson?

121st US Open Rounds 1 and 2 Start in Different Groups: Johnson-McIlroy-Rose, Mickelson-Homa-Shopfli Together

Bryson DeChambeau (left) and Brooks Koepka

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "See you on the weekend."

The ‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (both from the USA) ‘rivalry showdown’ was called off. It was during the 1st and 2nd rounds of the 121st US Open, opening on the night of the 17th (Korean time) at Torrey Pines Golf Course South Course (par 71, 7,652 yards) in San Diego, California, USA. DeChambeau, as the defending champion, will tee off at 5:14 AM on the 18th from the 1st hole (par 4) alongside Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) and US Amateur Champion Tyler Strafaci (USA).

It is interesting that DeChambeau interrupted Koepka’s interview right after Koepka’s runner-up finish at the PGA Championship on the 24th of last month. At that time, Koepka criticized with profanity, saying, "The sound of DeChambeau’s metal spikes passing behind me broke my momentum." DeChambeau responded to the video of Koepka’s interview posted on social media with a comment, "I can fix those spike marks immediately," which escalated the controversy. This is why the pairing of the two players in this tournament attracted so much spotlight.

Before the tournament, DeChambeau expressed confidence at a press conference, saying, "I hope to compete in the 3rd and 4th rounds." Koepka will start earlier at 11:29 PM on the 17th from the 10th hole (par 4) with Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa (both from the USA). After his ‘back-to-back’ victories in 2017 and 2018, he has a chance to reclaim the title after three years. Regarding the rumored feud with DeChambeau, Koepka said, "It doesn’t matter who I play with. My game is what’s important," and added that he sees it as "actually positive for my performance."

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) will be accompanied by past champions Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and Justin Rose (England). They will start at 5:36 AM on the 18th from the 1st hole. McIlroy was the 2011 champion, and Rose won in 2013. The ‘oldest major champion’ Phil Mickelson will embark on his journey toward becoming the sixth ‘career Grand Slammer’ in global golf history, teeing off at 11:51 PM on the 17th from the 10th hole with Max Homa and Xander Schauffele (both from the USA).