US Open Review: Koepka makes history to retain US Open title

Brooks Koepka made history this month by retaining his US Open title, the first player to defend his title in 29 years.

American Koepka, 28, held off the surprise late charge from England’s Tommy Fleetwood to claim victory at Shinnecock Hills.

Fleetwood posted a score of 63 in the final round — equalling the lowest ever recorded in the US Open — but it wasn’t enough as Koepka held on for a one-shot victory.

Koepka scored 68 in the final round at the Long Island course, sealing his place in history as only the third player since the Second World War to win back to back titles.

Honoured
Reflecting on his win, Koepka said he always felt like he had a chance to retain his title.

“You make a couple of birdies and you make up a lot of ground. I felt like I was never out of it; I was hitting it well, putting it well and just needed to keep grinding.

“I knew the conditions were going to ease up a little bit, and they did and I just took advantage of it. It's incredible to have my name on there [the trophy] twice and to go back-to-back is even more extraordinary.

“I am truly honoured.”
  

Respect
Fleetwood, 27, who came fourth in last year’s US Open behind Koepka, appreciated the American’s win despite just missing out on the title himself.

He said: “It’s my first ever Father's Day as a father. I enjoyed that, and I enjoyed watching the golf.

“As a golf fan it was good watching how he handled himself down the stretch and how he won another major. As a player who was one behind him it wasn't great to watch but you have nothing but respect for him and I enjoyed how he did it.

“That was pretty much time well spent. All in all, it's been a great day.”

Olympic champion Justin Rose was the next best-placed European in the field, finishing seventh.

Next year’s US Open will take place 13-19 June 2019, at Pebble Beach, California.