Carnoustie: It was just five years ago that Brooks Koepka won the Scottish Hydro Challenge to earn a spot on the European Tour.
He’s got fond memories of that, and even bigger things in mind in Scotland this week.
“Right now I’m focused on just winning,” the two-time US Open champion said Tuesday. “That’s the only thing I’ve got on my mind. Second place just isn’t good enough. I finished second a lot and just tired of it.”
Koepka was an aspiring young pro in search of his first big break when he came to Europe in 2012 to play the Challenge Tour. He won three times, including the victory in 2013 that got him on the European Tour.
His life has changed a lot since then, but Koepka remembers the fun he had on his way up.
“I didn’t have any options when I turned pro except to come over here and play,” he said. “I enjoyed it. And I know I’ve said this a million times, it was the most fun I’ve ever had playing golf. Probably the best time of my life coming over here and playing. I enjoyed it way more than I probably do now, playing on the tour.”
Koepka qualified for his first British Open the day after his win in Scotland, but not before having to get out of a taxi to help change a flat tire on the way to play in the qualifier.
After winning a second US Open title last month at Shinnecock, he’s eager to try to win an Open on this side of the pond.
“The last major I played I won, so I’ve got confidence,” he said.
— AP
