On Saturday at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, Brooks Koepka shot a 2-under 70 to reach 6 under for the tournament. He sits one shot back of Phil Mickelson, who he’ll be joined with in Sunday’s final pairing of the 103rd PGA Championship.
After his round, Koepka took a few questions from the media. And let’s just say, he’s confident.
1. In a season of unknowns, what’s the excitement level of putting yourself in this position Sunday of a major?
BROOKS KOEPKA: It just feels good, feels normal. It’s what you’re supposed to do, what you practice for. I’m right where I want to be, and we’ll see how tomorrow goes. Just be within any within three of the lead going into the back nine and you’ve got a chance.
2. When you’re down five early in the back nine, even though it’s Saturday, is there any sense of urgency at that point?
BROOKS KOEPKA: No, just worry about me. Just worry about what I’m doing. Yeah, I saw Phil was at 10 and I was at 5, but just go about my business. I can’t control what he’s doing, I just need to play better. Simple.
3. What would you have said at the start of the week if somebody said you’ll be in the final group on Sunday with Phil Mickelson?
BROOKS KOEPKA: I’m in the final group. That’s what you want.
4. Tomorrow the weather is going to be, at least we understand, the wind is going to be from a totally different direction. Some guys have been here on Sunday and experienced it, some have not. Were you here on Sunday to experience it, and if not, does it concern you at all?
BROOKS KOEPKA: It doesn’t matter. Just got to go out and go play good golf. Doesn’t matter what direction the wind is going. The goal is still the same.
5. How important is it for you to be in the final group with Phil tomorrow?
BROOKS KOEPKA: Yeah, it’s nice. Like I said, I can see what he’s doing, and everybody else is in front of me, so I’ll have a good idea on the leaderboard what’s going on and just need to putt better. Simple. If I strike it anything like I did the last three days, I’ll have a chance.