Brooks Koepka claimed his third Major Championship this season as he won the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club, in his 100th start on the PGA Tour.
Koepka carded a closing round of 66 to finish two shots ahead of Tiger Woods and write himself into the history books with Ben Hogan, Gene Saracen, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the US Open and PGA Championship in the same season.
Setting a new tournament record of 16 under par with a total of 264, Koepka found it hard to believe how far he had come after missing a portion of the start of his season due to a serious wrist injury.
“When I look at what I’ve done in the past two months, it’s incredible. Sitting on my couch watching the Masters, and to think I would do this, I would have laughed at you and told you there was no way, no chance, and to do it is really incredible.” said Brooks.
After rounds of 69, 63 and 66 earlier in the week, Koepka entered the final round with a two-shot lead over Adam Scott.
Brooks birdied the first hole of his final round and although he bogeyed the 4th and 5th, he remained cool, calm and collected and went on to make three birdies in a row at the 7th, 8th and 9th.
After superb par saves at 10 and 11, Koepka missed birdie chances on the next two greens and suddenly found himself tied for the lead with Adam Scott.
Birdies at 15 and 16 for Brooks were crucial and made the walk down his final hole that little bit more enjoyable with a 2 shot lead.
A 324-yard drive down the middle of the 18th fairway left Koepka with 122 yards to the pin which he hit to 17ft. A two-putt par here sealed victory for the 28-year-old and his third Major Championship.
With this win, Brooks jumps up to a career-best 2nd in the Official World Golf Rankings and 3rd in the FedEx Cup Standings.
“Three Majors at 28. It’s a cool feeling. It really is.” said Koepka.
We think so too Brooks! Congratulations on your third Major Championship and another fantastic display both on and off the golf course.
Photo credit: Golffile – single use only