Brooks Koepka, the acclaimed LIV Golf icon and five-time major victor, has ignited a storm within the golfing fraternity. The 34-year-old golfing maestro who has earned his stripes in the Saudi-based league, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, has sparked controversy with his self-assessment, ranking himself above Scottie Scheffler and other accomplished golfers.

Koepka’s career boasts an impressive track record with nine PGAT victories, including three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, not to mention successfully retaining both major championships. His seven DP World Tour title wins, punctuated by consecutive triumphs at the Dunlop Phoenix in 2016 and 2017, further attest to his golfing prowess.

The golf star’s accolades extend beyond his victories. He has also chalked up 13 runner-up finishes on the PGA Tour, including two at the Masters tournaments in 2023 and 2019, a PGA Championship in 2021, and a U.S. Open in 2019. Yet, despite his glowing résumé, Koepka’s recent assertion of superiority over golfers with even more illustrious careers has been met with skepticism and criticism.

In a recent interview with Golf Digest on the course, Koepka was asked to withhold reaction until he heard the name of a superior player. As the interviewer rattled off a list of golfing legends such as Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, and others, Koepka didn’t flinch until the mention of Tiger Woods. The LIV Golf star acknowledged Woods’ supremacy, albeit with a laugh, igniting a wave of fan reaction.

Koepka’s oversight of several big names during the segment has raised eyebrows among fans, some of whom have accused him of arrogance. The fact that he didn’t budge at Scottie Scheffler’s mention, despite Scheffler boasting more PGA Tour events than Koepka, has drawn both amusement and criticism from fans.

Phil Mickelson, with a career far more illustrious than Koepka’s and a whopping 45 PGA Tour titles, also has more major wins than Koepka, leading fans to question the latter’s self-ranking. Fans have also pointed out Rory McIlroy’s superior consistency and a title count three times that of Koepka’s.

Critics argue that Koepka’s indifference to the inclusion of Johnson, Spieth, Rahm, Schauffele, and DeChambeau in the list reflects an inflated ego. His open disdain for fellow LIV Golf pro DeChambeau, evident during a pre-exhibition match interview, has also been a point of contention among fans.

The contention around Koepka’s self-ranking has led to strong reactions, with some fans dubbing him “delusional.” As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether Koepka can back up his claims with a strong performance in the upcoming Masters, just 46 days away.