[Golf Topic] Kepka vs DeChambeau "Metal Spike Controversy"..."Too Noisy?"

‘Major Man’ Brooks Koepka (left) and ‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○... "Untimely Metal Spike Controversy."

The rivalry between 'Major Man' Brooks Koepka and 'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (both from the USA) is drawing attention. The issue started when Koepka expressed displeasure toward DeChambeau passing behind him during an interview right after finishing as runner-up at the 103rd PGA Championship (total prize money $12 million) held on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, on the 24th. Koepka criticized, mixing in profanity, saying, "The clacking sound of the spikes broke my train of thought."

DeChambeau’s golf shoes have metal spikes. While they help stabilize the lower body during the swing, they damage the greens and make loud noises on paved paths. This is why amateur golfers are prohibited from wearing them at golf courses. After plastic spikes, rubber spikes have become the trend nowadays, and there are even 'spikeless' golf shoes without spikes at all. On the 26th, Yahoo Sports USA analyzed, "DeChambeau likely prioritizes his own benefit over causing inconvenience to others."

The controversy escalated when DeChambeau responded with a comment on the SNS video of Koepka’s interview, saying, "I can fix the spike marks immediately." Later, he posted a video of muscle training on his Instagram with the caption, "Only failure drives me." It is worth noting that both Koepka and DeChambeau are the longest hitters and major champions on the PGA Tour. The atmosphere is already heating up ahead of the US Open on the 17th of next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.