Jack Nicklaus was full of praise for Brooks Koepka after the American star went back to back to win his second US Open title at Shinnecock Hills.
Koepka was making just his fifth start in 2018 after battling a tendon injury in his wrist but was superb on Sunday as he displayed precision off the tee and was equally adept around the greens.
The win meant Koepka joined the elite few to have won the title back to back, an achievement not lost on 18-time Major winner Nicklaus.
‘To not long ago come off injury, what a nice way to play and terrific way to win. It was a great victory and to win back-to-back titles, not many people have. Elite fraternity,’ wrote Nicklaus on Twitter.
‘His performance down the stretch was terrific! At times it looked and felt like Brooks was competing against himself. It was his @usopengolf to win or lose, and he absolutely won it! Because of Tommy Fleetwood and the 63 he posted early, Brooks had a score to shoot and he did it.’
Nicklaus also reserved some praise for runner-up Fleetwood after his 63 on Sunday. The Englishman failed to convert from eight feet on the last to join the group of six that have fired 63s in US Open history.
‘Tommy obviously played a wonderful round. He had a chance at the last hole to shoot 62 and put himself one shot closer, but it simply wasn’t meant to be. There’s something about getting to 62 in the US Open. I should know.’
Nicklaus was also impressed by Koepka’s ruthless putting display under immense pressure.
‘He had a number of chances to give it away — to let everyone back in — but he wouldn’t, he didn’t. He kept holing putt after putt he needed to make, and it showed a lot of courage and determination! Sometimes that’s what it takes down the stretch, especially to win the US Open!
‘He drove the ball beautifully, and made so many big shots and putts all day. What a great third shot at 16th! He was the only guy I saw all day really get near the hole. And that put the US Open away! The way Brooks played, it was his to lose and he didn’t! Very proud of him!’
