Awkward! Social Media Speculates Over Koepka And PGA Chief At Trophy Presentation

A video of Koepka and Seth Waugh became a slight talking point at the PGA Championship

Koepka points whilst posing next to the trophy
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The PGA Championship provided multiple memorable moments, with Brooks Koepka lifting the Wanamaker trophy for a third time at Oak Hill. In the process, he became the 20th man ever to claim five Major titles, with his performance being praised by many players and golfers on social media.

Along with the win though, there appeared to be a slightly awkward moment between Koepka and PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh as, at the trophy presentation, the two briefly posed for a photo before Waugh walked away from Koepka without barely any eye contact. Not even a handshake. 

The video was first posted to Twitter by @golfproryan, with the caption reading: "Any guesses what Seth Waugh said to @BKoepka here...?" Obviously, with this being social media, some of the answers can't be taken seriously but, in the video, Waugh certainly seems to enter and leave the stage quite quickly.

Walking past Koepka, the PGA of America chief poses alongside the recent champion, before seemingly whispering something to Koepka, who splays his arms out whilst smiling. Currently, it is unclear what was said, and whether the smile was indeed a sarcastic one or a genuine one.

Previously, Waugh has been critical of LIV Golf, the league which Koepka joined in June of last year after deciding to leave the PGA Tour, with Waugh stating that: “Their logic about the team play being something significant that people can get behind I think is flawed.”

Koepka poses with members from the PGA of America

Koepka stands with Michael Block and members of the PGA of America

(Image credit: Getty Images)

At the time, he added: “They can fund it for as long as they want to, but no matter how much money you have, at some point burning it doesn’t feel very good. I don’t see they are accomplishing much," with Waugh then reiterating his points for a second time just mere days later.

One last interesting point is that LIV Golf are currently without Official World Golf Ranking points, with their players tumbling down the Rankings. Waugh, who actually sits on the board of the OWGR, insists that there is a healthy dialogue with LIV Golf in the breakaway circuit's ongoing application for OWGR points.

"What I've said and what I'll say now is there has been healthy back and forth. It has not been acrimonious. There's been collegial back and forth of them making an application as other tours have done. We've responded; they've responded. The ball, from my understanding, is in their court from our last response at this point. But it's a natural process."

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x