Brooks Koepka has become the first golfer to defend the US Open for two decades with his win at Shinnecock Hills.
Koepka staked his claim as one of the men to be feared in world championship golf by taking the championship and showing last year’s win was no fluke.
He dominated after coming back from seven over after seven holes to hit a remarkable 66 and followed up with a 72 and 68 on a course which the organisers admitted was ‘wrongly set up’ with pin positions out of place.
“This one’s a lot sweeter,” Koepka said. “To win on two different styles of golf courses. Shinnecock plays incredibly tough, and you knew that going in at even par was going to be a good score. It turned out it was almost impossible to shoot even.”
Single shot win
Koepka ended by taking the US Open with a single shot over Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood, who battled his way through the field to take the runner’s up spot.
“A US Open is always going to be a tough test of golf. I enjoy that,” said Koepka.
“The Open Championship, I think, suits very well and we always seem to play good at the PGA. The only one I haven’t figured out is Augusta.”
“I always feel like I’m overlooked. I couldn’t care less. It doesn’t bug me. I just keep doing what I’m doing, keep plugging away, kind of hide behind closed doors sometimes, which is nice, kind of the way I’d like to keep it.”
Fleetwood muscles in
Tommy Fleetwood finished fourth behind Koepka at last year’s US Open, and moved up three places to match his progression over the year.
Koepka sung his praises after Fleetwood’s best major tournament result.
“I’ve known him for maybe five years now, he’s an incredible player. He’ll definitely be holding some major championships here soon,” he said.
As for Fleetwood, he says his best is yet to come.
“It’s just more proof that I can get up there. I think I can compete in any company. I’d like to do it more. The majors and big events eventually bring the best players to the top,” he said.