Koepka hopes to continue top show

Los Angeles, Aug. 14: Even when hoisting a US Open or PGA Championship trophy, Brooks Koepka is careful to keep a chip balanced on his shoulder — even if it’s just a small one.

“I always try to find something where I feel like I’m the underdog and put that little chip on my shoulder,” Koepka says. “Even if you’re number one, you’ve got to find a way to keep going and keep that little chip on. I think I’ve done a good job of that. I need to continue doing that, because once you’re satisfied, you’re only going to go downhill.

“You try to find something to get better and better, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

The 28- year- old American joined one of golf ’ s most select fraternities with his second straight US Open triumph at Shinnecock Hills in June, becoming just the seventh player to win back- to- back US Opens and the first since Curtis Strange in 1988- 89.

Koepka proved his triumph at wide- open Erin Hills was no fluke, grinding to victory at one- over par on a brutal Shinnecock course that sent Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, among others, packing early.

Then for good measure, Koepka captured his third career major title on Sunday at the PGA Championship, outdueling Woods and Adam Scott down the stretch at Bellerive Country Club to shoot the lowest 72- hole score in tournament history, 16- under par 264.

Koepka displayed his trademark composure under pressure, unwavering and confident in his shotmaking with two birdies in the last four holes to secure the victory.

Overlooked going into the US Open after missing the Masters with a left wrist injury, Koepka had been all but written off at Shinnecock after flirting with the cut line when he was seven- over par during the second round.

Not that Koepka cared about that.

“I always feel like I’m overlooked,” he said. “It doesn’t bug me.”