Tiger Woods' text messages to Brooks Koepka once went unanswered, Koepka claimed it was by accident
Brooks Koepka failed to reply to Tiger Woods' texts back in 2019. Unlike many claims at the time, however, it was not intentional; instead, it was caused due to a mix-up with Koepka’s phone.
The incident happened during the 2019 Open Championship, where both Woods and Koepka were playing. Ahead of the tournament at Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Woods texted Koepka to tag along for a practice session.
The legendary golfer himself revealed the same in his pre-tournament press conference. The then-44-year-old said that he reached out to the then-four-time Major champion to praise him on his game as well.
Speaking at the 148th Open Championship pre-tournament press conference, Tiger Woods said:
“Tell you a funny story. I texted Brooksy, ‘Congratulations on another great finish.’ What he’s done in the last four major championships has been just unbelievable. To be so consistent, so solid. He’s been in contention to win each and every major championship. And I said, ‘Hey, dude, do you mind if I tag along and play a practice round?'”
Woods was also looking to gain some local knowledge from Brooks Koepka’s caddie Ricky Elliott, a Portrush native, during the session. However, the latter failed to return Woods’ texts. The 15-time Major champion concluded his comment by stating that he had “heard nothing” in return.
However, Koepka soon cleared the air. The now LIV Golfer said that he’d switched phones ahead of the incident and missed Woods’ message. He added that he eventually replied to the text and that the issue had since been resolved.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his round at the Open Championship, Brooks Koepka said:
"I changed my phone number, that was the problem. I changed it after the U.S Open when somebody leaked it, so I changed it on Monday night… I don't get that many texts and I didn't let many people know obviously. I mean we don't text that often and I didn't get any of his text messages, but I texted him on Wednesday and gave him my new number and he texted me back so don't worry. We're good."
Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka had contrasting fortunes at the 2019 Open Championship
Interestingly, Woods and Koepka had vastly contrasting outings at the event. Woods failed to make the cut and crashed out of the championship after the first two rounds. Koepka, meanwhile, cruised to a T4 finish. Shane Lowry won the title.
Needless to say, the two golfers’ relationship has deteriorated since the incident. Brooks Koepka signed for LIV Golf for a reported sum of $130 million, and went on to lead the breakaway tour's Smash GC side. This didn’t sit well with Tiger Woods, who backed the PGA Tour in the PGA-LIV fight.