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Koepka wins second consecutive U.S. Open, first player to do so since 1989

Koepka wins second consecutive U.S. Open, first player to do so since 1989

Brooks Koepka made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to win back-to-back U.S. Open titles since Curtis Strange in 1988 and 1989.

Koepka shot a final-round 68 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York, finishing at one over par for the tournament and one stroke ahead of Tommy Fleetwood, who tied the U.S. Open record with a 63 on Sunday.

Koepka, who missed the first four months of the year with a wrist injury, showed his mental toughness and physical strength by overcoming the challenging course conditions and a stacked leaderboard.

He birdied two of his last three holes to seal the victory, becoming the seventh player to win consecutive U.S. Opens and the first since Strange, who was on hand to witness Koepka’s feat as a broadcaster for Fox Sports.

“It’s incredible. I don’t think I could have dreamed of this, going back-to-back,” Koepka said after his round. “It’s truly special and I’m honored.”

Koepka, who won his first major at Erin Hills last year with a record-tying score of 16 under par, proved he can also win on a more traditional and difficult U.S. Open layout.

He was one of only three players to break par in the final round, along with Fleetwood and Masters champion Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at four over par.

Koepka’s win was also a redemption for his close friend Dustin Johnson, who entered the final round with a four-shot lead but stumbled to a 77 and tied for third at three over par.

Johnson, who won the U.S. Open in 2016 but missed last year’s edition due to injury, congratulated Koepka on the 18th green and praised his performance.

“He’s one of the best players in the world. It was nice to see him win. I’m happy for him. He did a great job today,” Johnson said.

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