Brooks Koepka happily secured a fourth top-10 finish in The Open but was heading home to the States still adamant he’s not a fan of Royal St. George’s.
Koepka grabbed an eagle and three birdies in a sizzling bogey-free closing 65 to share sixth place at eight-under par. The four-time major winner has now played in 10 Open Championships with an effort that matched his share of sixth in the 2017 Open.
Koepka had raised more than a few eyebrows ahead of the rescheduling of the 149th Open that the Kent course was clearly not his favourite, despite having been an enthusiastic ‘bright-eyed’ youngster when he accompanied his parents to the 2003 Open.
Now the multi-million dollar earning 31-year-old has other views of the links gems that attracted some 155,000 highly-energised fans over the four days.
“Same thing, it’s not my favourite in the rotation,” he said when asked if his opinion had changed of the Kent layout.
“I leave here a little bit frustrated. I’m not happy. I would love yesterday back. I drove it well but the iron play wasn’t there – and I didn’t make any putts. But you need four solid rounds to compete in the majors.”
Koepka now has a year’s wait to teeing-up on his favourite Open venue – that being the Old Course at St. Andrews which next year hosts the 150th staging of golf’s oldest major.
“I just really can’t wait for next year,” he said. “St Andrews is my favourite place in the entire world and that will be one I’m really looking forward to.”
Koepka had ruled himself out of the Olympics so it’s back to the States for a well-earned rest.
“I play enough golf,” he said. “The way I put it, if you’re an accountant, you don’t go home and watch accountants do work. I understand that most people see golf as a hobby. But this is my job.”
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