Former FSU Golfer Brooks Koepka Repeats as U.S. Open Champion

Former Florida State golfer Brooks Koepka pulled off a feat at the U.S. Open that had not been accomplished in almost 30 years. Koepka repeated as U.S. Open champion at Shinnecock Hills, becoming the first golfer to win back-to-back U.S. Open championships since Curtis Strange in 1988 and 1989.

Koepka had an eventful day after holding a lead through the first five holes, suffering a set back in the middle, and closing out strong with the final seven holes.

After hitting a bogey at the sixth hole, Koepka fell from the top of the leaderboards and looked vulnerable at the 11th hole. But he made par on five of the next six and birdied the 16th hole. He finished with a bogey on the 18th, but it was enough to secure him the championship.

Koepka finished +1 at 281 in a tournament that was noted by observers as being overly difficult this year. It was the first U.S. Open since 2013 where no golfer broke par. For comparison, Koepka won the U.S. Open last year by shooting -16 at Erin Hills.

FSU golf has witnessed a string of recent success from former members. The attention rightfully goes to Koepka for his U.S. Open victories, but two others also qualified: Daniel Berger and Harry Ellis. Berger tied for sixth in this year’s competition, while Ellis did not make the final cut.

Clint Eiland is the lead writer for The Daily Nole. You can follow him on Twitter @ClintEiland