Eddie Pepperell was forced to deal a “haymaker” to LIV Golf rival Richard Bland after being criticised over his “15 minutes on tour”.
The pair had broken into debate in the aftermath of Chase Koepka’s hole-in-one in Adelaide. Koepka had bagged the ace at the ‘Watering Hole’ over in Australia - triggering wild celebrations from the crowd.
A loud roar was let out by the assembled spectators, whilst Koepka and his team were showered with beer cups, with fans also praising the moment on social media. However, it appeared not all were convinced as a fierce debate broke out between European Tour golfer Pepperell and LIV Golf star Bland.
Asked by a Twitter user why a similar hole had not been created on either the European Tour or the DP World Tour, Pepperell said: “We’ve tried and done plenty of different stuff over the years on ET/DPWT.
“More than every other Tour combined probably. Can’t tell you how many juniors have hit it inside me on par 3’s in Holland!”
LIV star Bland fired back by claiming the celebrations in Adelaide were unique - whilst he also shot criticism at Pepperell regarding his tour record. Writing on Twitter, he said: “Ed.. tell me where on DP World there’s been a hole like this? Because in 22yrs of playing the tour I can’t think of any. But maybe your 15 minutes on tour you know different.”
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Pepperell was not about to let the issue lie with his response pointing to Bland’s own career record. He wrote: “Where to start… Suppose it’s simple; in my 15 minutes I won more events than you did in 22 years.
“What the Tour has done (just to name a few); GolfSixes, Heineken hole at Himmerland, Beat the Pro in Holland. The Tour, which you spent 22 years on did ok for you mate.”
Fans then weighed in on the debate with Pepperell being called out for a lack of class to which he replied: “I suppose it isn’t. Then again I’ve been on Tour for over a decade, so referring to that as 15 minutes also lacks class. So, touché, one might say.”
Pepperell was later asked whether Bland had potentially enjoyed one drink too many when launching into his tirade. “Had to be! We all say silly things when alcohol is involved. Either way, I haven’t taken it personally,” he wrote.
Bland confirmed that he had indeed been drinking and staged an apology to his countryman. “Unfortunately I did have to many last Ed.. and I apologise for what I said.. I should know better not to tweet under the influence.”
Things then appeared to get jovial between the pair as the exchange concluded. Pepperell wrote: “You just left yourself so open. The haymaker had no choice but to land.”
“I know. lesson learned,” Bland replied. “All said and done.. I hope you’re well mate.”
