This week, golfers Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy are both looking to earn their first green jacket at the 2024 Masters Tournament. Koepka finished in second place last year, while McIlroy was the runner-up in 2022. Koepka shared his warm-up routine on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, mentioning that he uses odd-numbered irons along with his driver, woods, and wedges. He also made a playful jab at McIlroy, suggesting that the four-time majors winner likely prefers even-numbered irons. Koepka has won five major tournaments, while McIlroy has won four.
Fred Couples believes Tiger Woods is capable of more than just making the cut at the Masters. Koepka appeared to agree, suggesting that some players may use even-numbered clubs for their warm-up routine, like McIlroy. Last year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm won his second career major at the Masters, beating out Koepka for the green jacket. Despite Koepka’s move to the LIV Golf circuit, McIlroy chose to remain with the PGA Tour. In 2022, McIlroy criticized players who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf but has since softened his stance, emphasizing the importance of unity in the golf world.
McIlroy expressed a change of heart, emphasizing that golf is about choices and that having a strong PGA Tour and LIV Golf circuit is beneficial for both parties. He acknowledged that it is better for golf if players can freely move between tours and compete in the strongest fields possible. McIlroy’s opinion is that unity and collaboration between tours are key to the growth and success of the sport. He believes that the sooner players can come together and play, the better it will be for the game as a whole.
Overall, both Koepka and McIlroy are focused on earning their first green jacket at the Masters Tournament this week. Koepka shared his warm-up routine and jokingly suggested that McIlroy prefers even-numbered irons. McIlroy has softened his stance on players leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration between tours for the growth of the sport. Both golfers have had success in their careers and are determined to continue competing at the highest level.
