Brooks Koepka dismisses Rory McIlroy rivalry: 'I'm not looking in the rearview mirror'

Golf’s world No. 1 Brooks Koepka has shut down talk of a rivalry with Rory McIlroy, reminding the Northern Irishman that he hasn't won a major in five years.

Despite McIlroy sitting just behind the American in the world rankings, Koepka has dismissed the idea that the two are in competition.

“I’m not looking at anyone behind me. I’m number one in the world.” Koepka told reporters. “I've got an open road in front of me - I'm not looking in the rearview mirror, so I don't see it as a rivalry.

“I've been out here for, what, five years. Rory hasn't won a major since I've been on the PGA Tour.”

Koepka joined the PGA Tour in 2015 and has since won the US Open in 2017 and 2018 as well as back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and 2019. These victories made him the first golfer in history to hold back-to-back titles in two majors simultaneously.

“Look, I love Rory,” added the 29-year-old. “He's a great player and he's fun to watch, but it's just hard to believe there's a rivalry in golf. I just don't see it.

“You know if the fans do [call it a rivalry], then that's on them and it could be fun.”

Although McIlroy’s last major title was back in 2014, the Northern Irishman did win the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup title this year. He was also named Player of the Year for 2019 by his fellow PGA Tour professionals.

The 30-year-old pipped Koepka at the Tour Championship to secure his second FedEx Cup title and a $15 million windfall.

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