07 April 2023 , 20:11
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Brooks Koepka is facing a second probe into a potential rule break at this week's Masters Tournament, after TV footage appeared to show the four-time major champion telling his playing partner Gary Woodland his club choice.
Koepka is under investigation after allegedly showing five fingers to Woodland, indicating he used his five iron whilst playing the 15th during his opening round on Thursday. This comes after it was alleged Koepka's caddie Ricky Elliott did similar.
Further footage appeared to show Elliott mouthing the word 'five' towards Woodland's caddie Brennan Little, as the former US Open champion weighed up his shot.
Per rule 10-2a, players giving or asking for advice from anyone but his own caddie acquires a two-shot penalty. Following an investigation from officials Elliott was eventually cleared, however they continue to look into Koepka's alleged hand gesture.
In his defence, Koepka has claimed he was taking off his glove, rather than signalling the number five. He said: "I'm taking my glove off. I don't know if you're supposed to take your glove off with your fist closed or what now.
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"The last thing I'm going to do is give it to Gary Woodland, the US Open champ. The funny part about it is I think if he would have known we were hitting five, he would have hit six because I don't think Gary is that short and he's 10/12 (yards) in front of me?”
Brooks Koepka allegedly aided Gary Woodland (Getty Images)Koepka was similarly adamant over the incident involving his caddie. When asked about the incident yesterday, he said: “Yeah, we looked at it when we got back in.
"GW (Woodland) and Butchie (Little) had no idea what we were hitting. I know that fact because GW asked me what we hit walking off, when we were walking down. So that's all I can give you.”
Many however were left unconvinced, with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley calling out wrongdoing. "“It is very obvious. It is staggering they have denied it,” McGinley said. “The video evidence is there, whether you like it or not. It is a breach of the rules. It is common practice but it is not always so blatant. The evidence is overwhelming.”
Following his second round LIV rebel Koepka had built a commanding lead at Augusta National after carding a bogey-free 67 to move to 12 under and four clear of amateur Sam Bennett.