Brooks Koepka was the first to embrace Bryson DeChambeau after his former rival matched his record of two US Open titles.
It's no secret the American duo have held resentment for one another in the past, engaging in one of golf's most infamous feuds of the modern era. However, that appeared to be water under the bridge when they reunited ahead of the LIV Golf season resuming this week.
Four years after bagging his first US Open title, DeChambeau staged a late comeback to defeat Rory McIlroy and add a second crown to his collection on Sunday. However, it was back to the grind at The Grove in Nashville on Tuesday when Crushers captain DeChambeau bumped into Smash skipper Koepka on the driving range, reports the Daily Express.
Despite once having one of the most acrimonious rivalries in the sport, it was all smiles as the pair reunited. And they even hugged it out as Koepka - who won back-to-back US titles in 2017 and 2018 - embraced DeChambeau.
That came after he already sent his former foe a classy congratulations in the wake of his win at Pinehurst this past weekend. Koepka took to social media and wrote: "Welcome to the club 2x US Open champ."
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There was a period when both stars didn't hide their mutual disdain, with Koepka being particularly outspoken about his feelings. The pair even faced off in a special edition of The Match in 2021, where five-time major champion Koepka emerged victorious.
"I just don't understand how it takes a minute and 20 seconds, a minute and 15 to hit a golf ball," said Koepka in 2019 after growing infuriated with DeChambeau's slow play at the Dubai Desert Classic. "It's not that hard."
DeChambeau later retaliated by poking fun at Koepka's physique during an ESPN Body Issue photo shoot in 2019. The former appeared on a Twitch stream the following year and remarked: "I don't know if his genetics even make him look good to be honest ... I mean on Body Issue he didn't even have any abs, I can tell you that. I got some abs."
However, Koepka had a cheeky response, posting a photo of his major trophy collection at the time, which included two PGA Championships and two US Open titles. He's since added a third PGA crown to his collection but quipped at the time: "You were right. I am two short of a six-pack!"
Fast-forward to the present day, and their relationship appears to have taken a complete U-turn. Both players decided to leave the PGA Tour and join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League, which seems to have mended any previous rifts.
DeChambeau joined Koepka in becoming a two-time US Open champion (Getty)Koepka, 34, extended a friendly handshake to his former adversary after spotting him at the range in Nashville before the competition kicked off on Friday. DeChambeau, 30, reciprocated by warmly embracing his fellow two-time US Open-winner.
That's in stark contrast to the icy exchanges that once characterised their relationship. Since both joining the LIV exodus, the pair seem to have buried the hatchet, and Koepka even posted a picture last year showing DeChambeau with an arm around his former rival.
The positive atmosphere appears to have continued as the duo returned to action on the Saudi-backed breakaway tour. Even though they're leading rival teams in the LIV Golf League, there's no sign of any lingering animosity between the two stars.
Koepka is aiming for his second win of the LIV season in Nashville, following his first victory of the year in Singapore in early May. DeChambeau, on the other hand, is still chasing his first LIV event win in 2024, though his Crushers team have secured two victories.
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