AVIDGOLFER

Was Koepka’s Historical U.S. Open Win Overshadowed By Mickelson And USGA Circus?

Rick Arnett /

Brooks Koepka accomplished a feat we’ve not witnessed in nearly 30-years. He successfully defended his U.S. Open win. Not since 1988-89 when Curtis Strange posted consecutive wins. Crazier still is that feat was overshadowed by Phil Mickelson playing polo with a moving putt and the USGA once again enduring a public pounding.

And as the Morning Read’s John Hawkins wrote…

It wasn’t the most dramatic U.S. Open ever contested, but it was certainly one of the most interesting we’ve seen in recent years.

Add a fearful torn tendon in his left wrist that sidelined the Florida State alum for three months. Yet, he fearlessly blasted out of thick rough with no sign of pain. And he made every important recovery shot and putt when he needed it the most. As I feared a potential catastrophic moment, my wish of a good win was granted as Brooks took advantage of a good bounce off the grandstand to make a great chip on 18 and convert the easy two-putt. That’s what U.S. Open champions do. They endure and outlast the field.

Koepka is also a workout beast with linebacker guns. One posted on Twitter that “It was nice to see Koepka win the U.S. Open a month or two before he arrives at training camp.”

The Golf.com folk pingpong their thoughts on Brooks’ historical performance.

Sens: Koepka has all the physical tools. A lot of guys on Tour have all the physical tools. What was notable this week (aside from the big drives and the clutch putts) was his mental state. He said he was the most confident guy in the field. That’s not something you can fake.

Ritter: He had a few chances to crack on the back nine but held it together. On 11, the brutal par 3, his tee shot went over the green and down the bank, and that spot is d-e-a-d. But he canned an 12-footer for bogey when he could’ve easily made double or worse and said afterward that stealing that shot gave him the confidence the rest of the way. Ride the wave, man.

Shipnuck: It means Koepka is already a player of historical importance. The Masters is more glamorous, the Open Championship more freewheeling fun, but the U.S. Open remains the most important tournament in the world.

Bastable: Tiger, Jack, Arnold, Snead, Player, Watson, Nelson, Watson, Player, Trevino, Sarazen, Miller, Floyd, Norman, Casper…not one of them did it.

Koepka now has three Tour wins (add in the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open) plus seven worldwide. You could call him the new Andy North (three Tour wins including two U.S. Opens). Or a better comparison maybe the American Angel Cabrera (a Masters, a U.S. Open and Greenbrier Classic) as both burly golfers can launch a drive into the stratosphere. You’d think with all that talent, Koepka would have more than the three victories in 95 entered events. Yet, he’s only 28 and could be just hitting his prime–if he can bypass any potential future significant injuries.

The $2.16 million first prize (with probably at least double the off-course spoils) doesn’t hurt either.

Finally, for those who say Brooks is too mild mannered and maybe a bit boring…

Andy North Angel Cabrera Brooks Koepka Phil Mickelson U.S. Open USGA