Sport
Brooks Koepka Claims Third US PGA Championship Title and Fifth Major
Brooks Koepka secured his third US PGA Championship title and fifth major, holding off the challenges of Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill Country Club. After feeling he had “choked” while holding the 54-hole lead at the Masters last month, Koepka kept his cool to shoot a final-round 66 and finish at nine under par. Hovland reduced Koepka’s lead to one with five holes to play but a double bogey at the 16th ended the Norwegian’s chances. Scheffler’s fine 65 saw him get to within two of Koepka, who held on to win his first major since the 2019 PGA Championship. Club professional Michael Block made a hole-in-one on the 15th while playing the final round alongside Rory McIlroy, who finished in a tie for seventh place.
Koepka’s win at Oak Hill Country Club serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in golf. Just six weeks after feeling like he “choked” during the final round of the Masters, Koepka held his nerve to emerge victorious at the US PGA Championship. With his latest triumph, he has cemented his legacy as one of the all-time modern golfers and now has five major titles to his name, making him only the 12th player ever to achieve the feat.
It’s easy to forget how far Koepka has come from his struggles with injuries. His runner-up finish at the Masters was a fantastic return to form, but he went one step further at Oak Hill. His relentless display of golf over the weekend was truly impressive, showcasing his ability to stay calm under pressure and close out a win.
Hovland played his part in the final day’s play, only for his chances to end with a costly double bogey on the 16th. His birdie on the 18th ensured he finished in second place, tied with Scheffler on seven under par. Hovland has challenged at several recent majors and is undoubtedly a player to watch in the future.
Koepka held on to his lead going up the last hole. He missed a birdie effort but tapped in for par to secure his two-shot victory. Earlier in the round, Bryson DeChambeau finished up tied for fourth at three under par, while Corey Conners struggled with a final-round 75 to finish at five under par.
The US PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club was a week of memorable moments, but it’s Koepka’s name that will go down in history once again. The tournament served as a reminder of the thrill of major championship golf, with fans eagerly anticipating the next event – the US Open, which takes place next month at LA Country Club.
Koepka’s post-tournament comments demonstrated his joy at the win and his pride at etching his name alongside some of golf’s greats. He remarked that he “didn’t know how many guys have won five times” and that being in that group of names was “absolutely incredible.”
In addition to Koepka’s win, Michael Block’s hole-in-one on the 15th will be a long-lasting memory from this year’s tournament. His feat will earn him an invite to next year’s tournament, a fitting reward for such an impressive shot.
All in all, the 2022 US PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club was a thrilling event that left fans excited for what’s to come in the world of golf.
Credit: independent.co.uk
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