Dustin Johnson on Brooks Koepka: "He can think whatever he wants"

Dustin Johnson has told the media that Brooks Koepka can think whatever he wants when it comes to major trash talk.

Koepka, a four-time major winner, appeared to belittle his peers before the final round of the PGA Championship earlier this month, particularly where one-time major winner Johnson (who at the time led after 54 holes) was concerned.

"I like my chances," Koepka said after the third round of the PGA. "When I've been in this position before, I've capitalized. I don't know, [DJ’s] only won one."

Koepka went on to shoot a 74 to finish just inside the top 30, while Johnson went on to finish tied second behind Collin Morikawa.

Two weeks on, Johnson opened with a solid 4-under 67 on day one at The Northern Trust and was then asked by a journalist to discuss what he made of Koepka's recent comments. 

The response was one of typical nonchalance from the laidback American. 

"It doesn't matter," said Johnson. "It doesn't bother me. He can think whatever he wants."

Koepka's PGA Tour season came to an abrupt end this week as he withdrew from The Northern Trust due to a recurring knee injury, meaning he cannot make the top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings that progress into next week's BMW Championship

"This is physical," said Koepka at the Wyndham last week.

"I know how to do it, I can do it, I just physically can't do it. My golf swing's fine if I can physically do it."

Despite continuing to talk up his game, Koepka has endured a wretched run of form this year with just two top-10 finishes.

Johnson has had something of a rollercoaster since golf's return with consecutive rounds of 80 at Muirfield Village sandwiched in between a victory at the Travelers Championship and runner-up at the PGA Championship.