Brooks Koepka told by tour pro: Rory McIlroy's career is better than yours
English tour pro Eddie Pepperell believes Rory McIlroy's career is far superior than Brooks Koepka's as he discussed their Masters chances.
English tour pro Eddie Pepperell claimed Rory McIlroy has had a better career than Brooks Koepka on the eve of the 2024 Masters.
Pepperell made the claim in the latest episode of The Chipping Forecast as he discussed both players' chances at the first major of the year.
McIlroy, 34, will be teeing it up Augusta National after producing his best finish on the PGA Tour this season at the Valero Texas Open.
He's also had a last-minute lesson with Tiger Woods' legendary coach Butch Harmon to eradicate a left miss with his irons.
Koepka, by contrast, comes into the major with a mixed bag of results after five LIV Golf events.
The American's best finish saw him tie for fifth in Mayakoba in February.
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But as we know by now, the golfer is a force to be reckoned with in the majors. Write him off at your peril.
It was pointed out that Koepka, of course, now has won more major championships that the Ulsterman.
His victory at last year's PGA Championship saw him reach a tally of five major wins compared to McIlroy's four.
Despite this, Pepperell contended McIlroy's list of achievements is far superior.
Pepperell said: "I'll take you up on that comment. I wouldn't choose Brooks' careers over Rory's at any point at this point.
"I think Rory could have one less major and I'd still choose Rory's career over Brooks'.
"Rory has proven himself to be such a more rounded player.
"His ability to play well at any point in the year on any golf course, on most golf courses...
"He's won numerous FedEx Cups et cetera. I think Rory's career is second to none at this point."
BBC golf journalist Iain Carter put it to Pepperell that Koepka now has five major wins compared to McIlroy's haul of four.
He added: "Golf isn't just about the majors, I mean, there are order of merits, FedEx Cups and all sorts of things to think about [like] the World Golf Championships.
"I would disagree with you on that."
Of McIlroy's chances, Pepperell added: "I think he's going to have a good week.
"I've just looked at his stats, his approach play is good. He's working on something different [with Butch], we're not talking about him [and] I wouldn't be surprised if Rory has a good one.
"I'm not saying he's going to win but he is definitely one to look out for.
"His iron play is definitely trending in the right direction and that's a good sign for him."
McIlroy has already outlined his plan for the 2024 Masters.
He wants to play 'boring golf' and remain patient.
In 2023 it was evident he panicked after a slow start and he inexplicably missed the cut.
Pepperell continued: "I think the hard thing for Rory is, if he's on his game, he's not going to play boring golf because he's capable of birdieing more holes than anyone else and he's capable of shooting seven or eight under par at Augusta.
"So, I think Rory needs to play the game that feels natural to the way he is playing.
"I think you could have accused Rory of late of trying to take on shots where his game is not matching."
Pepperell pointed to the way McIlroy chased down Scottie Scheffler to win the 2022 FedEx Cup at East Lake to illustrate his point.
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