Tight schedule pleases Koepka

New York – World No 2 Brooks Koepka likes the PGA Championship moving from August to May, saying four major tournaments in as many months brings a better chance at a Grand Slam.

“If [you could] get on a nice run, you could rattle off all the majors, which would be nice,” Koepka said on Tuesday.

The PGA of America brought the 28-year-old American, a three-time major champion, to Bethpage Black ahead of the 101st PGA Championship, with Koepka set to defend his crown at the suburban New York public course from May 16 to 19.

“I’m super excited,” Koepka said.

“New York fans are a lot of fun and any time you can play in front of them and you’re doing well, that’s an added bonus.”

The event shifts from August for the first time, becoming the second on the calendar from last. It follows the Masters in April and precedes the US Open in June and British Open in July.

Koepka, who won his second-consecutive US Open title last year at nearby Shinnecock, likes the move.

“It’s definitely a lot different, but I think it’s a good change,” he said.

“I like the fact that everything is so congested, or feels that way, from the Players [Championship] in March to basically when the Open is done.

“You’ve seen guys get hot and they go for four months where they play some incredible golf and hopefully I can set myself up to do that.” –