Tommy Fleetwood was preparing himself for another battle with Brooks Koepka after emerging as one of the nearest challengers to the defending champion after day one of the US PGA Championship.
Fleetwood carded a closing 63 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club to finish one shot behind Koepka at last season's U.S. Open Championship and the duo were setting the pace again on Long Island.
Bethpage State Park BK Course has long been regarded as one of the toughest tests in world golf and Koepka was stunning in round one as he posted a 63, with Fleetwood four shots back.
The Englishman admitted that three time Major Championship winner Koepka was one of the biggest threats as he searches for a first Major of his own, but Fleetwood believes he too can be a man for the big occasion.
"Brooks does a very good job at Majors," he said. "I think we all know that. I sure wouldn't be surprised if he was still there on Sunday.
"I think when you get to Majors, there's definitely certain names and certain people that you've got to beat and most of the time certain names and people pop up on the leaderboard. But that's the game and that's what we're here for.
"I get a buzz out of preparing for the Major courses on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Just a passion for it and adrenaline, that keeps you going easily.
"They have these Major set-ups and I enjoy the challenge. It doesn't always go right but I enjoy the toughest courses and I enjoy getting in a dogfight out there with the toughest courses in the world."
