Brooks Koepka didn’t let his lead go to waste at this major, as the Wanamaker Trophy is in his possession for the third time after winning the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill on Sunday.
Koepka had four bogeys on his scorecard, but his seven birdies, including three on his first four holes, led him to a victory-lap 18th hole and a Sunday 67 to finish 9-under-par in the tournament.
He was two shots better than Scottie Scheffler and his final-round partner Viktor Hovland, who finished 7-under to tie for second. Scheffler put in a strong effort Sunday, shooting a 5-under-par 65 thanks in part to a 4-under-9 hole.
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Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays his shot from the fourth tee during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
With his victory, Koepka not only captured his third PGA Championship and fifth major title, but also earned a record $3.15 million for the major.
Hovland was keeping up and putting pressure on the now five-time Grand Slam winner. However, his double bogey on the 16th hole gave Koepka some breathing room, especially knowing that Scheffler was in his final round at 7 under par.
Hovland ended up birdieing the 18th to tie Scheffler for second.
MICHAEL BLOCK SINKS HOLE IN ONE AS PGA DREAM CHAMPIONSHIP CONTINUES
Despite bogeying the 17th to move to 9 under, Koepka knew he had some leeway heading to the 18th tee.
He striped his driver with a trademark baby cut, which avoided the fairway bunkers to the right, and landed a beautiful approach shot that had the crowd roaring in the knowledge that victory was clinched.
Koepka just missed his eighth birdie of the round, but a couple of tap-ins had a smile on his face nonetheless.
Viktor Hovland of Norway waits for the putt on the seventh green during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Warren Little/fake images)
Koepka won his first PGA Championship in 2018 at Bellerive Country Club and defended his title in 2019 at Bethpage Black on Long Island.
It was Koepka’s third big win in New York state, as he defended his 2017 US Open title at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 along with his win at Bethpage.
Ultimately, Koepka became the first LIV Golf player to win a major, which he came close to doing at The Masters in April before Jon Rahm defeated him.
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Koepka shot 2-over-par in his first round, but returned to a 4-under 66 Friday and did it again Saturday to take sole possession of the lead.
Koepka, who battled nearly career-ending injuries, once again felt what it was like to win a major title.
PARTY IN THE STREET
While Koepka’s play was stellar all week, Michael Block, the 46-year-old wellness story of the week as a pro, had a final round that felt like a dream.
Not only did he finish with a 71, but he lived one of the best moments of the week, getting a hole in one.
«I’ve never holed-in-one in a tournament in my entire life,» Block said after his round.
«It’s amazing. I’m living a dream. I make sure I enjoy this moment.»
And with his tied for 15th, Block will head to the illustrious Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville for the 2024 PGA Championship.
Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a second shot on the eighth hole during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Warren Little/fake images)
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Block said that $75,000 was the most he ever made playing golf, but after it was over, he will change that narrative. With the total purse at a record $17.5 million, the 15th place was set to win $309,000.