Brooks Koepka takes shot at Rory McIlroy before Masters

Brooks Koepka takes shot at Rory McIlroy before Masters

The shot at Rory McIlroy was subtle by Brooks Koepka, but it didn’t go unnoticed by “Pardon My Take” hosts Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter.

Koepka, one of LIV Golf’s biggest stars, appeared on Wednesday’s episode of the popular Barstool Sports podcast and had been talking about the way he warms up for a round of golf. 

The 2023 PGA Championship winner told the hosts that he would only hit with his odd number irons on the driving range — meaning he uses only his 3-, 5-, 7- and 9-irons along with his driver, woods and wedges — while ignoring the other clubs. 


Brooks Koepka had some fun at Rory McIlroy's expense.Brooks Koepka had some fun at Rory McIlroy’s expense. Getty Images

That’s when last year’s Masters runner-up took his chance to poke fun at McIlroy, suggesting the Northern Irish golfer may prefer to use the even-numbered irons since “four is even,” which is the number of majors McIlroy has won. 

Koepka has won five majors in his career. 

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“I would say yeah, probably. Guys probably do the same thing. Maybe not the odd clubs, they might go even,” Koepka said. “Rory’s probably even. You know, four is even. Five is odd, so yeah.” 

The comment elicited a big laugh from Katz and a chuckle from PFT Commenter. 

Koepka, 33, nearly captured a sixth major last year at Augusta National when he held a 54-hole lead before shooting a 75 in the final round and lost to Jon Rahm. 

Koepka was one of the sport’s stars that jumped to LIV Golf while McIlroy has remained loyal to the PGA Tour, though he has softened his once hardline stance toward the rival golf league. 

Earlier this year it seemed as if Koepka had taken a shot at McIlroy after McIlroy told the “Stick to Football” show that he was “maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start.” 


Rory McIlroy has won four majors.Rory McIlroy has won four majors. Getty Images

Koepka posted a GIF on X of Kermit the Frog sipping tea, which is used to say that a person is just minding their own business while something interesting is happening.