Brooks Koepka should withdraw from Ryder Cup if he does not love it, says Paul Azinger
American Koepka has spoken out about the ‘odd’ and ‘hectic’ nature of the competition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Team USA’s former Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger has said that Brooks Koepka should withdraw from the competition if he is not committed to the cause.
The tournament, which sees the Americans take on Team Europe, begins next week, and former world No1 Koepka is among those to have been selected for Team USA by this year’s captain, Steve Stricker.
Koepka, a four-time major winner, spoke out this week about the “odd” and “hectic” nature of the Ryder Cup, which the Americans are attempting to win back from Team Europe following defeat in 2018.
Azinger, who captained Team USA to a Ryder Cup victory in Louisville, Kentucky in 2008, has now said that Koepka need not take part in this year’s edition of the competition, which takes place at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin.
“Not everyone embraces it, I know players who felt that way,” Azinger said this week, per the BBC.
“Brooks is one of the most honest guys and if he is honest with himself and if he doesn’t want to be there, he should say it – especially because he is hurt.”
Koepka, 31, had also said of the Ryder Cup: “You go from an individual sport all the time to a team sport one week a year.
“I can barely see my [coaching] team. It’s hard to even go to the gym.
“It’s more demanding than I’m used to, and there’s a lot of emotion there, so by Sunday you’re just dead.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments