Rahm downplays Koepka's dig: 'He's entitled to what he thinks'

Jon Rahm downplayed Brooks Koepka's dig at him after the American said he wanted to "pout just like Jon Rahm" following a tense four-ball match at the Ryder Cup.

Rahm finally had the chance to address those comments on Saturday afternoon after he sat out the four-ball session at Marco Simone.

"I play and compete the way I need to play and compete," Rahm said, according to Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated. "And I think he mentioned it. I left a 10-footer short on 17 to possibly tie the hole, and going up to the tee, I let off some frustration, hitting a board sideways. I kept walking, never stopped. That was it.

"If Brooks thinks that's childish, it is what it is. He's entitled to what he thinks, and I mean, I don't know what else to say."

Rahm eagled two of the final three holes in the match to earn a half point for the Europeans, with his final putt sparking wild celebrations around the green from the hosts.

Afterward, Koepka was asked about the quality of golf down the stretch and took that as an opportunity to lob a shot at Rahm's behavior.

"I think me and Scottie birdied 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and then lost by two," Koepka said. "So, yeah, I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we're adults. We move on."

Koepka's choice to take a shot at Rahm certainly didn't lead to stronger play from the American, as the five-time major champion suffered a historic loss on Saturday morning. Koepka and partner Scottie Scheffler got thumped 9 and 7 in the most lopsided match in Ryder Cup history.

Rahm and Koepka seemingly had a good relationship prior to Friday, but things could be frosty next time they come across one another. For the sake of the audience, let's hope that's in the form of a Sunday singles match.