ROCHESTER | If Eddie Murphy is the prince of New York, Brooks Koepka is the king. After two major titles on the island of Long Island in 2018 and 2019, he adds a third in the northwest of the state.
The American also entered a very select club by signing his third title of the PGA of America Championship. Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen have five while Tiger Woods has lifted the imposing Wanamaker Trophy four times.
The 33-year-old golfer now comes in at 15th with his fifth Grand Slam title. In quick succession, he had won the 2017 and 2018 editions of the United States Open, respectively in Erin Hills, Wisconsin, and Shinnecock Hills, off New York.
During his dominance, he added wins at the 2018 PGA Championship, at Bellerive near St. Louis, and the following year at Bethpage Black, a suburb of the Big Apple.
Only six golfers can claim to have so many. He joins Nicklaus, Hagen, Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Byron Nelson and Peter Thomson.
After healing serious injuries that could have jeopardized his career, he is therefore back in the circle of winners of an international tournament for the first time in four years.
“It was worse than I let on. It’s been two years now. The road back was long. This passage forged who I am now. This is probably the most significant of all my wins because of all the hard work put in. She is very special,” said Koepka.
A first for LIV
It was to be expected that one of the big names on the LIV Golf circuit would set foot in one of the four Grand Slam tournaments at one time or another. The green jacket almost fell into Koepka’s clutches a month ago.
“Without that Augusta experience, I might not have been able to win this championship. It served as my motivation and it will serve me every time I am in the race for the title of a big tournament, explained the one who still refuses to mention the lessons learned on the sacred land of Georgia. I can’t reveal my secrets.”
However, he kept his word that he would not repeat his mistakes from that final day in Augusta.
He quickly put the pedal to the metal by scoring three birdies on his first four holes. He added four on the return. By compiling his four bogeys, he signed a card of 67 (-3). His only odd of the tournament was that first round of 72 (+2).
The champion gave an interesting response as to the significance of the moment for the controversial Saudi-funded circuit.
“This win helps LIV, but honestly I’m more interested in myself right now,” he said. It was obviously huge for the league. Except I’m here in individual competition at the PGA Championship. I’m just happy to bring this trophy home a third time.”
He will also underline his achievement in a huge “tailgate” at his home in Jupiter, Florida while watching the Panthers’ game in the semi-finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Hurricanes.
Hovland knocks on the door again
By dint of knocking on the door of a Grand Slam tournament, Viktor Hovland will eventually enter and taste the victory cake.
For the third time in a row, he bit the dust. Last July, he played in the last pair on the course in the final round at St Andrews at the British Open. He finally took 4th place as Cameron Smith kissed the Claret Jug.
At the Masters Tournament in Augusta a month ago, he was still in the running for the green jacket. Jon Rahm had won.
At Oak Hill, he saw Brooks Koepka lift the imposing trophy.
“It’s very disappointing. But I have to stay positive. Things are going in the right direction, the 25-year-old Norwegian reported. I will continue to mind my business and work. I believe it will be my turn to celebrate soon.
“It was not easy to compete with Brooks, he chained about the winner. It gives nothing on the course. I didn’t give him anything either until the 16th. I have my place among these winners. I have to be better next time.”
On a platter
Like Canadian Corey Conners the day before, Hovland made the same mistake in the 16th alley pit. He missed his shot by lodging his ball in the thick lip of the pit in front of him. This blunder cost him a double bogey.
Rather than spice up the home stretch, he served the trophy to Koepka on a silver platter.
Hovland shared second place with Scottie Scheffler who delivered one of the best performances of the week with a 65 (-5) card after a disappointing 73 (+3) the day before.
The Australian Cam Davis and the American Kurt Kitayama, also author of a 65, complete the top 5 with Bryson DeChambeau.
Next year, the PGA of America Championship will be played on the fairways of Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
2023-05-21 22:43:23
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