Brooks Koepka is not writing off his chances of a US Open Championship victory just yet, despite being eight shots off the lead held by Martin Kaymer.
A steady two under par 68 on the second day on Pinehurst’s No. 2 course moved the American up to a share of second place, but the chasing pack is a long way behind Kaymer, who matched his first round effort with another brilliant five under par 65.
“You never know what can happen,” said the 24 year old who came through qualifying at Walton Heath last month. “One bad shot could cost you two, maybe three, so you are never too far out of it, especially in a US Open.
“I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully it works out for me. It seems like a long way back, but I’m playing well and I’ll just keep grinding it out and we’ll see. Martin seems to be playing a different golf course – ten under is incredible.”
Koepka, who started last season as a European Challenge Tour player and won three times to earn instant promotion to The European Tour, is pleased with how well his conservative tactics have paid off so far.
“I’m not saying I’ve been trying to make bogey, but I’ve been trying to take double out of play,” he continued. “Double will kill you. You give two shots up on one hole and you’ve got no chance because there aren’t many birdies out there.
“I’ve left it below the hole and in the right spots and haven’t gotten into too much trouble. I just kept trying to grind it out and leave myself uphill putts.
“I haven’t really missed a shot in fairness, and I’ve putted pretty well.”
This is Koepka’s fourth Major Championship appearance and second time he has made the cut, following a tied 70th place finish in last year’s US PGA Championship.
