How Koepka conquered Bethpage Black

And some whacky ‘nice to know’ stuff

American Brooks Koepka had led the PGA Championship (16-19 May) from day one. It all appeared to be plain sailing for the player from Florida as he rose to the challenge of the very tough Bethpage Black Course near New York. He had played solid as a rock all week. Come Sunday, he stood on the first tee with a seven-shot advantage. No surprise there really – Koepka is so on form. More of a surprise though was the golfer who played alongside him in the final pairing: Harold Varner III. After opening with rounds of 71, 67 and 67, he found himself well and truly in the spotlight on Sunday. Dustin Johnson was also in a share of second place on 5-under.

A bogey at the first for the Koepka saw his lead diminish to six shots. But there was no need for panic. With the wind up and nerves jangling, everyone seemed to be falling by the wayside. In the end, it was only World Number One Dustin Johnson who managed to hang onto the leader’s colourful polo-shirt tails. DJ had been patiently waiting to pounce should BK happen to falter. And falter he did.

On the back nine, just when everyone thought that he was home and dry, Koepka made four consecutive birdies: 11, 12, 13 and 14. Ouch! The 2018 PGA Champion had squandered his lead and would now have to knuckle down on the closing holes if he were to lift the enormous Wanamaker Trophy once again.

The one-horse race was about to see another thoroughbred on the track. Enter World Number One. DJ had been looking extraordinarily relaxed during the final round. Yes, even more than usual. His characteristic swagger and lazy, full-flowing swing grooved to perfection, he produced birdies at 4, 6, 9 and 15 to close the gap with Koepka. All of a sudden there was just one shot between the Americans. A nail-biting finish lay before us after all. Johnson from South Carolina was in with a chance.

Yet as quickly as a putt can swing from left to right, the situation changed again. Koepka, who had begun to look a tiny bit tense (who wouldn’t after a string of bogeys on the back nine while leading a Major!) regrouped and was on the attack again. DJ made bogey after his putt narrowly-missed the hole. After that he seemed to lose his nonchalant stride. It looked as if the World Number One had missed the window of opportunity left open for him by his fellow American. Another devastating bogey followed at the 17th. But all was not lost, as it happened. A short while later Koepka’s short putt for par at the 17th also stayed above ground. Things were getting exciting again.

Two ahead playing down the last was not quite the comfortable lead that Koepka had envisaged. He would have to stay well-focussed amid the sea of cheering fans that lined the fairway and surrounded the green, especially after his wild drive to the left. But Johnson could do no more. He was already in the clubhouse at 6-under par (274) nervously watching Koepka’s every move on the television screen.

Koepka played up short and then, without hesitation, struck a majestic wedge full of confidence which soared over the bunker to within a few feet of the hole – the mark of a true champion. Moments later he holed out for his par and for victory. Twenty-nine year old Brooks Koepka had successfully defended his PGA Championship title, two strokes ahead of Dustin Johnson. It’s the first time since Tiger Woods in 2006-2007 that a player has had back to back wins in the PGA.

Many congratulations on a terrific victory, Brooks!

Wendy Hoad

Nice to know …

What happened to Harold Varner III? Alas, Harold’s two dream rounds of 67 were followed by a complete nightmare on Sunday. He signed for an 81 (+11) to finish in a tie for 36th on 6-over par.

That talent from Thailand: Young Jazz Janewattananond stunned us all week with his fascinating name and great golf but alas slipped away on Sunday finishing in a tie for 14th place on 2-over par.

Black scores abound on the black course: At the start of the final round only 16 players were under par. Yes, can you believe it?! At the end of the tournament the tally was even more incredible – there were only six players in red figures.

Brooks’ bogey and birdie tally in round 4: 6 bogeys (1, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17) and two birdies (4 and 10).

A reminder of the top three: 1.Brooks Koepka (USA) 272; 2.Dustin Johnson (USA) 274; T3. Jordan Spieth (USA), Patrick Cantlay (USA), Matt Wallace (ENG) 278.

Best European: England’s Matt Wallace breezed home with rounds of 69, 66, 70 and 72 to take that honour. He came tie third. Next best European, who just happened to be another Brit, was former World Number One from Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy. He was joint 8th along with Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Adam Scott (Australia) and Americans Gary Woodland and Matt Kuchar.

Best closing round: America’s Gary Woodland closed with a 68. A whole bunch of guys among them Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Matt Kuchar shot 69 on Sunday.

Breaking News: Dustin Johnson was the only player to break 70 in every round.

PICTURED: Brooks Koepka in trouble on the back nine on Sunday.