Brooks Koepka could not resist a dig at Bryson DeChambeau during an interview this week, with the five-time major champion making fun of his old rival’s comments about Rory McIlroy from the 2025 Masters.

Koepka and DeChambeau have had their issues over a number of years. It was clear that the two men were not particularly fond of each other, though they were eventually able to put those problems to one side ahead of the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

They also seemed to get along much better once they both moved to LIV Golf. However, Koepka went on to become the first big name to walk away from the league in late 2025.

And it would appear that Koepka has made little attempt to stay in touch with DeChambeau now that he has moved back to the PGA Tour.

Brooks Koepka’s dig may help explain why Bryson DeChambeau is ready to stay with LIV Golf

Speaking to Dan Rapaport in an interview posted this week, Koepka joked that he can understand why no-one would want to speak to DeChambeau, when asked about the LIV star highlighting that Rory McIlroy did not talk to him during the final round of The Masters last year.

Of course, McIlroy himself made his feelings about DeChambeau known at The Open Championship this year, with the Northern Irishman admitting he is not a fan of the two-time US Open champion.

Do you think Jackson Koivun is more likely to win his first major than Brooks Koepka is to win his sixth next year? 🤔

The digs from the likes of Koepka and McIlroy perhaps highlight one of the reasons DeChambeau looks set to stay with LIV Golf beyond this year given what he previously said about a PGA Tour return.

In an interview with Skratch in May, DeChambeau noted that he would only be interested in coming back to the PGA Tour if the membership wanted him back.

Koepka and McIlroy do not speak for the rest of the players, obviously. However, they are extremely influential. No active player on the PGA Tour can compete with the pair for major victories, so their comments are significant.

Bryson DeChambeau is clearly reluctant to be the PGA Tour’s pantomime villain again

DeChambeau has become accustomed to being the superstar of his league. On LIV, he was the biggest name. He was the player that many fans came to see. And the other players seemed to be very happy to protect him when he would face any criticism or ridicule from the outside.

He would clearly have plenty of friends if he returned to the PGA Tour. DeChambeau was praised whenever his teammates had an opportunity to talk about him during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

However, DeChambeau is loved and idolised on LIV. He is obviously aware that he would be considered a much more divisive character if he returned to the PGA Tour, and does not have the desire to take on that particular challenge.