Brooks Koepka has now captured three of the past six majors he has entered. With 48 majors to be played before he turns 40 … Could he surpass Tiger Woods?
If you’re searching for an athlete who personifies calmness, look no further than Brooks Koepka. The powerful American – who successfully defended his national Open in June – was once again emotionless as he quietly marched toward his third major title at the 100th US PGA Championship.
Standing on the 18th tee at Bellerive Country Club, the 28-year-old held a two-stroke lead over playing partner Adam Scott and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods, who had just completed the best final round of his major career; six-under 64.
Unfazed, Koepka stood tall and delivered yet another emphatic blow with his driver, piping his tee shot 324 yards down the fairway to the roars of the crowd.
CBS commentators were calling for paramedics to check his pulse.
The Floridian then indulged in one deep breath as he eyed his 115-yard approach into the 72nd green before flying it 15 feet past the cup. He narrowly missed his birdie, waved his right to putt with a cleared green and then tapped in for par to become just the fifth player since World War II to win three majors before turning 30.
Koepka’s nonchalant approach to the game certainly splits opinions; it doesn’t always make for the most exciting viewing. But clearly it works – and his lack of outward emotion shouldn’t be misconstrued as a lack of passion. This is a man whose troublesome left wrist kept him from competing at Augusta National in April and had him questioning his immediate playing future.
Jack Nicklaus was one of many who immediately took to Twitter to voice his admiration for the future World Golf Hall of Famer, who began his professional career in Europe.
“For Brooks Koepka to not play The Masters because of injury, to be unsure of his near future in golf, then come back to win the US Open and US PGA Championship – to win 2 of the 3 majors left in the year – you have to believe that is one of the best years any golfer has ever had.”
Indeed, Koepka exemplifies just about everything you look for in major champions. He is powerful, he has good touch around the greens and his putting stroke is as reliable as any of the ‘bombers’ out there. But his mental game is perhaps his strongest weapon. When Koepka is contention he seems to get the job done more often than not, much like the man he denied at Bellerive.
“I’ve won three of the last six (majors) I’ve played in, so I guess (my game) suits the majors.” – Brooks Koepka
Tiger Woods had captured eight major titles by the time he was Koepka’s age – and he has done plenty to suggest he will add to his haul before he retires. The 42-year-old finished tied-sixth and runner-up at the final two majors of 2018. But even if the Big Cat does rediscover major glory, there is an argument that Koepka could chase him down and even surpass him.
The argument begins with his history at the majors. Yes, he has won three titles in his last six starts. But he has also made 18 straight cuts and posted three further top-five finishes. He appears unshakable on the game’s biggest stages and he has grown confident in his ability to close.
“I’ve won three of the last six (majors) I’ve played in, so I guess (my game) suits the majors,” Koepka told reporters at Bellerive. “I just need to figure out Augusta; I haven’t quite had the results there I’ve had elsewhere.”
Evidently, Augusta National could prove to be the toughest nut for Koepka to crack, purely because it requires an extensive amount of course knowledge, an elite short game and accurate driving (he is currently ranked 163rd on Tour in that regard).
“Tiger’s comeback ... You look at what Dustin’s doing, Justin, Rory, Spieth … I can’t wait to duel it out with them over the next couple years or however long.” – Brooks Koepka
But you would be brave to suggest he won’t eventually slip into at least one green jacket with his prestigious length off the tee and the amount of birdie chances he regularly creates.
Where things get especially interesting however is when you consider the future venues of the other three majors – many of which are played at sites that suit his game down to the ground.
Koepka will defend the US PGA Championship at Bethpage in 2019 before it heads to TPC Harding Park (2020); Kiawah Island (2021); Trump National (2022); Oak Hill (2023); Valhalla (2024); Aronimink (2025); Olympic Club (2025) and Baltusrol (2026).
He will then defend The United States Open at Pebble Beach before it travels to Winged Foot (2020); Torrey Pines (2021); The Country Club (2022); Los Angeles CC (2023); Pinehurst (2024); Oakmont (2025); Shinnecock Hills (2026) and then back to Pebble Beach in 2027.
Koepka’s success at The Open Championship will be heavily dependent on which side of the draw he plays each year. But if he receives softer conditions, expect him to feature prominently at Royal Portrush (2019), Royal St George’s (2020) and St Andrews (2021).
There is hardly a course on any of those lists that won’t become susceptible to the powerful qualities that Koepka possesses. So, if he can stay fit and maintain his admirable levelheadedness, there really isn’t much to suggest he won’t eventually challenge Woods’ record at the majors – whatever that target may become.
“Three majors at 28, it’s a cool feeling, it really is,” Koepka said. “Hopefully I can stay healthy. I’ve kind of had some trouble with that.
“I’m excited for the next few years. I’m a fan of golf. You should be excited. I mean, Tiger’s comeback. You look at what Dustin’s doing, Justin, Rory, Spieth … I can’t wait to duel it out with them over the next couple years or however long.”
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