Koepka flies Challenge Tour flag with historic win

It’s been quite the rise to superstardom for Brooks Koepka, who on Sunday became the first man since Curtis Strange in 1989 to successfully defend a U.S. Open title with his one-shot victory at Shinnecock Hills.

Less than six years ago, Koepka won his first European Challenge Tour title, beating Alessandro Tadini by three shots at a rain-affected Challenge de Catalunya. Little did anyone know that he would go on to become one of the most successful Challenge Tour graduates of all-time.

It was a show of grit, determination and hard work which ensured Koepka secured the ninth Major Championship won by a former Challenge Tour player and he also made history by becoming the first graduate to win back-to-back Majors.

Koepka’s win in Southampton, New York, couldn’t have been more different to last year’s triumph. There were 17 shots between the respective winning scores, as he raced to 16 under par at Erin Hills in 2017 but was forced to fight for his one over par total this year.

The 28 year old opened with a five over par 75 at the notoriously difficult Shinnecock Hills but bounced back with a four under par 66 on Friday for a share of fourth place heading into the weekend.

Conditions were no easier on Saturday as Koepka carded two birdies and four bogeys to sign for a two over 72 but he did, however, better his position on the leaderboard, going into the final day in a share of the lead.

Playing in the penultimate group of the day with World Number One Dustin Johnson, Koepka was set a target of two over par by 2017 Race to Dubai winner and 2011 Challenge Tour Number One Tommy Fleetwood, who carded a stunning seven under par 63.

The Englishman’s 63 equalled the record for the lowest round at a U.S. Open and the lowest score on the final day of a Major Championship.

With a competitive score in the clubhouse, it was only ever Koepka who looked like being the man to deny Fleetwood his first career Major.

Early bogeys for joint leaders Daniel Berger and Tony Finau gave Koepka the advantage as the Floridian opened with three birdies in his first five holes.

He went on to shoot a further two birdies and three bogeys to post a two under par 68 and hold off the charge of the inspired Fleetwood, who was eagerly watching the action from the clubhouse.

Koepka’s win means he becomes only the second Challenge Tour graduate to win two Majors after Martin Kaymer, and his name will be forever etched in the records books as the first former Challenge Tour player to win successive U.S. Open titles.