Brooks Koepka is one round away from golfing history after the American carded a level par 70 at the US PGA Championship to remain seven shots clear of the field and edge one step closer to a fourth Major title.
The 29 year old began the day seven shots clear after a record-breaking opening 36 holes, so someone from the chasing pack required a low round to put some pressure on the Floridian.
“I struck it better than I did yesterday. I just didn’t putt as well.” Said Koepka. “ I felt like as you saw, I left a couple putts short right in the middle. If I make those and shoot a couple under, I extend the lead. But I felt like they were coming off the putter very nicely.
“You’re also trying not to leave yourself with too many three and four footers. If you have tap-ins, the way it’s playing today, it’s difficult to make a lot of birdies. I thought it was pretty good.
It was a testament to the astronomically high standard Koepka has set this week that no player could master the Bethpage Black Course on moving day as he did in the opening two days, and he maintained his dominance despite remaining on 12 under.
Should he emerge victorious, the former Challenge Tour graduate would become the first player in history to win both the U.S. Open and the US PGA Championship back-to-back, while he would be the only player under 30 years of age with four Major titles.
“I feel good. I feel excited. I’m excited.” Added Koepka. “I was excited just to get to the course today, and then try to build that lead, but didn’t happen. It’s a tough day. It would have been really hard to shoot four or five under.
“I feel confident going into tomorrow. I don’t know what the forecast is. But if I can hit a few fairways, there’s really a couple of key holes out here – you play seven well, play ten and 12 well, and then from there, you just hit the centre of the greens and try to par this place to death.”
Young Thai star Jazz Janewattananond did attempt to enter the race for the Wanamaker Trophy midway through moving day as the 23 year old got to six under and within six shots. He eventually carded a three under 67 for a five under total to join three others – including World Number One Dustin Johnson – in a share of second.
Englishman Matt Wallace remained the best European heading into the final day despite a level par 70 on moving day as he shared sixth position with Hideki Matsuyama on four under.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are best of the Irish back in a tie for 26th both on a +2 total.
Full scores HERE
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