June 17 (UPI) — Brooks Koepka shined on the U.S. Open stage for the second consecutive year, becoming only the seventh golfer ever to win back-to-back titles at the prestigious event after closing with a 2-under-68 Sunday at Shinnecock Hills.
Koepka, a year removed from winning the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in 2017, is the fourth golfer since World War II to win two U.S. Open titles before turning 30, joining Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Jack Nicklaus, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
“The U.S. Open just takes so much discipline,” Koepka told reporters. “You have got to be a great putter and just kind of let things roll off your back. I enjoy the test. I enjoy being pushed to the limit. Sometimes you feel like you are about to break mentally, but that’s what I enjoy.”
Koepka’s discipline, along with the entire field, was tested throughout the event. According to ESPN Stats & Info, there were 397 double bogeys or worse at the 2018 U.S. Open. That’s 101 more than at any other PGA Tour event this year (Honda Classic, 296).
Tommy Fleetwood’s final-round flurry almost culminated in a tournament victory, but the Englishman fell short by one stroke after carding a 7-under-par on Sunday for the silver medal. Fleetwood became just the sixth player to shoot 63 in a U.S. Open.
American Dustin Johnson was even on the final day of play and finished in third place at 3-over-par. Patrick Reed (4-over-par) and Tony Finau (5-over-par) rounded out the top five at the U.S. Open, respectively.
Rickie Fowler finished strong by carding a 5-under-68 Sunday, but ended up with a share of 20th place at 11-over-par. Phil Mickelson (+16) finished in a tie for 48th.
Jordan Spieth (9-over-par), Rory McIlroy (10-over-par) and Tiger Woods (10-over-par) failed to make the cut.
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