Brooks Koepka, the five-time Major champion, is gearing up for the PGA Championship with a renewed focus following his disappointing performance at the Masters last month. Despite high expectations after his strong showing at Augusta National in 2023, Koepka struggled, finishing tied for 45th with his worst score at the tournament since 2022.
Reflecting on his performance, Koepka admitted feeling embarrassed and acknowledged that it served as a wake-up call, pushing him to work harder and refine his game ahead of the PGA Championship defense at Valhalla Golf Club.
“I think the embarrassment of Augusta really kicked things into overdrive for me in terms of having to put my nose down and grind a little bit harder,” Koepka stated. He emphasized his commitment to his team and the determination to avoid disappointing performances in the future.
Since the Masters, Koepka has shown signs of improvement, securing a top-ten finish at the LIV Golf Adelaide and clinching victory in Singapore, becoming the first LIV Golf player to win four events on the circuit.
With his form on the upswing, Koepka heads into the PGA Championship with confidence, aiming to secure his sixth Major Championship title. His previous successes include back-to-back wins in the U.S. Open (2017, 2018) and the PGA Championship (2018, 2019), a feat rarely achieved in golf.
When asked about his edge in Major tournaments, Koepka attributed it to his strong iron play, precise putting inside eight feet, and his ability to thrive under pressure when others falter. He expressed his readiness to compete against Scottie Scheffler, the overwhelming favorite, who has been in stellar form recently.
While Scheffler poses a formidable challenge as the World No. 1 and a two-time Masters winner, Koepka is no stranger to Major battles and is poised to give him a tough fight at the PGA Championship, starting on May 16th at Valhalla Golf Club.