Koepka proves win last year is no fluke

Back-to-back titles a first since Curtis Strange in 1988-89

SOUTHAMPTON (AFP) — Brooks Koepka became the first player in three decades to repeat as US Open Champion here Sunday, firing a gritty final round 68 at Shinnecock Hills to beat Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke.

A year after he marched to victory with a 16-under total at Erin Hills, Koepka kept his nerve on the back nine to emerge with a oneover-par total of 281.

‘’To go back to back, I really can’t even put it into words,’’ said Koepka, who was flirting with the cut line when he was seven-over par during the second round on Friday.

‘’We grinded our tail off this week to come back from seven-over and do what we did. It was pretty special.’’

The world number nine is the seventh player to win back-to-back US Open crowns, and the first since Curtis Strange in 1988-89.

After overpowering the wide-open Erin Hills, he kept his nerve through four brutal days at Shinnecock.

‘’It’s much more gratifying the second time,’’ said Koepka, who had battled a partially torn wrist tendon that sidelined him nearly four months since his major breakthrough last year. ‘’I don’t think I could have dreamed of this.’’

A day after scores soared on the dried out greens, the US Golf Association admitted the course got out of hand, adding plenty of moisture and some slightly more forgiving pins.

England’s 12th-ranked Fleetwood seized the opportunity to match the lowest round ever in the US Open with a brilliant seven-under 63 for a two-over total of 282.

Fleetwood had stormed into the clubhouse with a round that included eight birdies, putting the pressure on overnight leaders Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Daniel Berger and Tony Finau.

Only Koepka met the challenge. He had broken out of the pack with three birdies in the first five holes.