The rumored Brooks Koepka-Dustin Johnson scuffle after the Ryder Cup matches never gained much traction but apparently the scuffle is continuing in a different way.
Brooks Koepka, ranked No. 3 in the world behind D.J and Justin Thomas, can take over the No. 1 spot come Sunday if he can plow his way to victory at the C.J. Cup over off the coast of South Korea on scenic Jeju Island.
Koepka put himself in position to do just that after 36 holes at the Nine Bridges Resort, which in actuality, only has eight bridges on the ultra-manicured golf course.
Scott Piercy has the halfway lead at nine-under thanks to rounds of 70-65. But Koepka is right on his heels just a shot back after a 65 of his own.
Koepka and the rest of the field took advantage of better conditions on Friday. Thursday’s round saw winds steady at 20-25 miles per hour but things calmed down on day two and the scores went lower.
Koepka started fast with four birdies over the first eight holes but lost that momentum when he hooked his drive in a hazard at the par five ninth. He made bogey but found birdies at 12 and 14 then unleased a huge drive at the par five 18th, had just 165 in and parked his approach just 10 feet from the hole. He made the putt for eagle and 65 and has momentum going into Saturday.
He needs to win and have defending champion J.T. finish worse than second and J.T. is cooperating. Thomas opened with 73, added 70 on Friday and finds himself tied for 22nd.
