Golfer Koepka wins his first major at US Open
Erin (Wisconsin), June 19 (IANS) United States’ golfer Brooks Koepka won his first major title after scoring five-under 67 in the final round for a four-stroke win at the US Open in Erin Hills here on Sunday.
Koepka, who came out to play the fourth day tied for second place with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and American Justin Thomas and a stroke behind his compatriot Brian Harman, made six birdies on the day to take his total to 16-under 272, reports Efe.
With his final score of 16-under, the 27-year-old Florida golfer has equalled the best result in US Open history since the victory of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in 2011 at the par-71 Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.
He also became the seventh consecutive first-time major champion and the third American in a row to win the US Open, the first time that’s happened since 2000 when Tiger Woods followed Payne Stewart and Lee Janzen, according to the tournament’s website.
“To win my first major in the United States is pretty special,” Koepka told usopen.com. “It is Father’s Day, so hopefully… this (trophy) works. And I think this is hopefully major number one and there’s many more to come.”
Harman, who scored even-par 72, shared the second spot with Japanese Hideki Matsuyama (74-65-71-66).
Harman said: “I had an opportunity today and I didn’t get it done. But at the same time, I don’t feel as though I lost a golf tournament. I think Brooks went out and won the tournament.”
Fleetwood was fourth following a 72, while Rickie Fowler (72), Bill Haas (69) and Xander Schauffele (69) were tied for the fifth position at 10-under 278 total.
Thomas dropped to the joint ninth spot as he underwhelmed with a three-over 75 in the fourth round.