If Brooks Koepka is going to pull off the three-peat at this 119th U.S. Open Championship, he’s going to have to do something special on Sunday.
Koepka played as well as anyone on Saturday, he just didn’t make enough putts. Koepka had back-to-back birdies on the front nine at six and seven then added another at the 10th. His 68 got him to seven-under par but he’s four back of leader Gary Woodland and three behind Justin Rose.
With the way Woodland and Rose have played, Koepka will have to have a special round to have a chance.
Koepka’s confidence level remains high.
“Just having been in the position I’m in. Feels like almost every major right now. Second at Augusta. I felt like I’ve put myself in good chances where I’m very comfortable around that. I don’t need to go out and chase. I don’t need to do much. Just kind of let it come to you. And from there, if I win, great; if not, I felt I’ve given it all I had this week and it’s just not my week.
I feel like if I can just make a few putts, I feel like I could be right there, right next to Gary. And it’s been very close. I’m pleased how I’m playing. I’m pleased how I’m striking the ball,” Koepka said.
“And I feel as confident as ever right now. It’s probably the best ball-striking week I’ve had. Pebble’s greens are so small. I think I only missed one green today, maybe two, I don’t know, if I was in the fringe or something. But to hit as many greens as I have the last two days, the ball-striking is right where I want it.”
Which leaves a run to a fifth major championship on the face of Koepka’s putter.
It worked well for him the first day, he’ll need it to be red-hot over the final 18.
