Koepka is now $3.15 million richer

The American Brooks Koepka has become the first golfer on the new and very controversial LIV tour to win one of the four major tournaments. The 33-year-old pro won the 105th PGA Championship in Rochester with a total score of 271 strokes, two strokes ahead of Norwegian Viktor Hovland and compatriot Scottie Scheffler, who took the lead in the world rankings.

For Koepka it was the fifth triumph with a major. In 2017 and 2018 he won the US Open, in 2018 and 2019 he won the title at the PGA Championship. “Looking back at where we were two years ago, I’m so happy at the moment,” said the triumphant. “It’s just the coolest thing.” At the time, numerous injuries made him doubt whether he would still be able to compete with the best golfers in the world.

Now, for his third win at Oak Hill Country Club, Koepka has been presented with the massive Wanamaker trophy and a $3.15 million (€2.91 million) prize money check.

Last year, Koepka joined other US stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau to switch from the PGA Tour to the competing LIV series. The LIV tour is massively criticized because of the million-euro investment from Saudi Arabia. “Congratulations @BKoepka your comeback was impressive. I’m so proud of you,” tweeted LIV boss Greg Norman.

The secret star of the $17.5 million tournament on Lake Ontario was a golf instructor from Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in California. Michael Block had already won the hearts of the fans on the first three days. In the final round, the 46-year-old finally became the crowd favorite after a “hole in one” on the 15th fairway. On the 138 meter long par 3, Block sank his ball from the tee – without the ball even touching the green – directly into the hole.