Brooks Koepka Back on Track at Oakmont After Missing Cuts

Brooks Koepka, a man familiar with the spotlight, found himself in a different type of glare after missing cuts at major tournaments. The frustration has been palpable for the five-time major champion.

“From early April to just about last week, I’ve been tough to be around,” Koepka confessed on Thursday after the opening round of the U.S. Open. “It really got under my skin. I haven’t been exactly the happiest camper.”

That mood might be shifting. Shooting a promising 2-under 68 at the notoriously tough Oakmont course, Koepka settled into a tie for third, trailing leader J.J. Spaun by just two strokes.

Koepka thrilled the gallery with a 42-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fourth. After some mid-round struggles, he bounced back with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.

“Consistency was key. I drove well and the iron play was solid. If I missed, I was in the right spots,” Koepka reflected. “Finishing on a high note was great, and I hope to carry this momentum forward.”

Previously stumbling at the Masters and PGA Championship, Koepka hasn’t cracked the top 10 in a major since his 2023 PGA Championship triumph at Oak Hill. His last LIV Golf win dates back to last August, adding fuel to his competitive fire.

An intense bunker session with coach Pete Cowan earlier in the week seemed to have paid off. Koepka welcomed Cowan’s straightforward critiques.

“Justin Thomas even checked on us, thinking something was up,” Koepka chuckled. “It was a long, honest talk that I needed at that moment. Cowan’s straight-shooting is invaluable.”

In an environment where candid feedback is rare, Koepka values honesty. “I don’t need ‘yes’ people around. I need truth-tellers who call me out when I drift away from my game.”

On a day when sub-par scores were scarce, Koepka’s performance stood out. “Feels good to put together a solid round. It’s been a journey,” he said. “A lot of hard work went into fixing the swing and ditching bad habits.”

As only two players outperformed Koepka, this round at Oakmont signified more than a score—it's a potential turning point.