Brooks Koepka in bullish Ryder Cup confession as he sticks LIV conspiracy in the bin amid snub

Outspoken Brooks Koepka can see why fellow LIV golfer Dustin Johnson didn't make the cut for next week's Ryder Cup blockbuster.

The former world No.1 was omitted by captain Zach Johnson with Koepka the only LIV golfer to be selected after being chosen as a wildcard for the big one in Rome. Koepka's win at the PGA Championship added weight to his selection but he is the sole member of the breakaway golf league to get an invite. Observers reckon those on the renegade tour faced an uphill battle for selection, however, Koepka – in his traditional outspoken fashion – believes DJ's wonky form was the overriding factor behind not making the cut to go against Rory McIlroy and Co.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said: "I get the case for DJ. He played great the last time, played great last year. Hasn’t really played that great this year ... or hasn’t played to DJ’s standard. That’s a better way to put that. And he didn’t play well in the Majors. So I can see why he didn’t get a pick. But if they had picked him, it’s DJ and I could see that one as well."

And Koepka admitted he has been less than impressed with his own displays despite lifting a fifth major which many LIV backers championed as a victory against the PGA. But he believes his selection is merited and would have been a no-brainer if he hadn't jumped ship.

He added: "But to be honest, I haven't really played that well this year. But have I played well enough to be on the team? Yeah. I didn't have the best year. Was it good enough to make the team? I think so. If I would have been playing on (the PGA Tour), yeah, I would have made the team. Do I think I can help the US team? Absolutely."