Brooks Koepka hails ‘sweetest’ major of his career after ending four-year drought

Brooks Koepka labeled his fifth major title the “sweetest” of his career after completing his amazing revival with a win at the PGA Championship on Sunday.

The American, once feared as golf’s most effective big game fighter since Tiger Woods, appeared to lose his relevance after a succession of serious knee injuries between 2019 and 2021.

But after taking second place at the Masters last month, Koepka took it one step further at Oak Hill, becoming one of only 20 golfers to win five majors, his first in four years.

“This is incredible, this is wild,” said Koepka, who carded 67 in the final round to beat Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler by two strokes.

“When I look back at where we were two years ago, I am so happy now. I’m a bit at a loss for words. This is the coolest.

Koepka was elated on the 18th green after beating his nearest rivals by two strokes

“This one is definitely a lot sweeter. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this. Life has changed a lot for me, but this one gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

The win moves Koepka up from 44th to 13th in the updated world rankings and also automatically qualifies for the US Ryder Cup squad.

With the top six straight into Zach Johnson’s squad of 12, Koepka is expected to finish second, albeit without further points until next month’s US Open as his LIV circuit is currently ineligible by the official body of the golf world.

“I don’t know how many guys have won five times, but to compete with those names is incredible,” added Koepka. ‘I’m not sure I ever dreamed of doing it.

“I’m not trying to prove to anyone else that I can still play. I still can and I love the way things are starting to come together. I think if I’m healthy I think I’ll be back where I was during that good stretch.”

Koepka had to wait four years between big wins, but has now brought his tally to a brilliant five

Norway’s Viktor Hovland said it sucks to fall short, but is happy with his progress

Hovland, who finished fourth, seventh and second in the last three majors, said, “It sucks right now, but it’s really cool to see it going in the right direction.”

The Norwegian added: “If I just keep taking care of my business and just keep working on what I’ve been doing, I think we’ll get one soon.

Brooks is a great player and now has five majors. I mean, that’s a great record right there. It’s not easy going toe to toe with a man like that.

“So I feel like I belong here. I just need to get a little better and hopefully next time it will go my way.”

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy shot a third consecutive 69 to finish two under. He’s cut a desperately understated figure this week, with his game nowhere near his usual standards.

Rory McIlroy was out of rhythm and had to fight hard for his top-seven finish at Oak Hill

His top seven finish was down to fighting spirit, but that leaves a number of technical gremlins to resolve just three weeks before the US Open, including a two-way miss off the tee.

He said, “I honestly didn’t feel like I had a chance to win this week.

‘I feel a little close, but at the same time so far away. It is hard to explain. I feel like sometimes it was the worst thing I could have played, but at the same time it’s the best thing I could have done. It’s a weird feeling.

“It just doesn’t feel quite where it needs to be, so I just need to get back home and work on some stuff and try to figure it out.”