Brooks Koepka vowed there would be no repeat of his Masters mistakes as he looked to emulate Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus by claiming a third US PGA Championship title.
Koepka held a one-shot lead over Corey Conners and Viktor Hovland heading into the final round at Oak Hill, six weeks after enjoying double that advantage following 54 holes of the year’s first major.
The four-time major winner carded a closing 75 at Augusta National to finish second to Jon Rahm, but looks primed to claim his first major since the 2019 US PGA at Bethpage.
Asked what were the main lessons he had learned from Augusta, the former world number one said: “To just never think the way I thought going into the final round. I think that was a big thing for me.
“I won’t do it again the rest of my career. I promise I won’t show up like that on Sunday.
“I was just told that I think only Tiger and Jack have won three (US PGA titles), so that would be pretty special to be in a list or category with them.”
Four major champions were within five shots of Koepka’s lead, with fellow LIV player Bryson DeChambeau three behind on three under and Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler both two under.
Rory McIlroy, who is a member of Oak Hill, was another stroke back on one under.
Quote of the day
“I love when the fans are on you, cheering for you, or you know, giving you crap if you screw up” – Koepka had no problem with the raucous crowds in upstate New York.
Shot of the day
Arguably the luckiest shot of the day at least, Scottie Scheffler saw his second shot on the seventh hole skip through Allen’s Creek and on to dry land.
Round of the day
Brooks Koepka carded a second consecutive 66 to take a one-shot lead into the final round.
Statistic of the day
Good news for everyone within four shots of Koepka’s lead, although recent evidence suggests all is not lost for the likes of Rory McIlroy either.
Easiest hole
The short par-four 14th again played as the easiest hole, yielding 30 birdies and just three bogeys for an average of 3.645.
Toughest hole
There was not a single birdie recorded on the 485-yard ninth hole, with 33 players making bogey and four making a double bogey for a scoring average of 4.539.
Weather forecast
Mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions return for the final round with highs warming into the low 70s. A west to northwest wind of 10-15mph, gusting to 20mph, will help with the drying and make it feel cooler at times as well.
Key tee times (all BST)
1850 Justin Suh, Tommy Fleetwood
1900 Rory McIlroy, Michael Block
1910 Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler
1920 Corey Conners, Bryson DeChambeau
1930 Brooks Koepka, Viktor Hovland
Simpson appointed first vice captain for 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team
Keegan Bradley has selected former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson as his first vice captain for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Simpson, who is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour, has lost all three of his appearances in the biennial men's golf competition.
The 38-year-old won the U.S. Open in 2012 to secure his first major championship win, and has triumphed in the Presidents Cup on three ocassions.
The United States will look to reclaim the Ryder Cup trophy at Bethpage Black in New York next September, having seen Europe win 10 of the last 14 competitions.
"Webb is someone who I have long admired and respected as a competitor and friend," U.S. captain Bradley said.
"He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win.
"Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September."
"I am honoured to be chosen by Keegan to serve as a vice captain in 2025," Simpson added.
"Competing in three Ryder Cups will forever be among my career highlights.
I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and a tremendous leader, and could not be more excited to get to work as we seek to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black."
The Open: Victorious Schauffele eyes career grand slam
Xander Schauffele set his sights on a career grand slam after a brilliant final round saw him claim victory at The Open on Sunday.
Schauffele managed a six-under 65 through his fourth round at Royal Troon, with a run of four birdies in six holes down the back nine seeing him pull clear.
He finished two strokes ahead of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, with Thriston Lawrence, Russell Henley and Shane Lowry rounding out the top of the leaderboard.
Having also triumphed at the PGA Championship at Valhalla earlier this year, Schauffele has become the first player since Brooks Koepka in 2018 (U.S. Open and PGA) to win two majors in the same year.
Rory McIlroy was the last player to win those same two tournaments in one year, achieving the feat back in 2014.
Only five players have ever previously won all four majors in their careers – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods.
Schauffele is looking to follow in their footsteps in the coming years, telling reporters: "If you look hard enough, you can always find it.
"It's something, when you feel like you need an extra kick in the butt, there's several easy ways to motivate yourself.
"There's still a lot of things that I'd like to do in my career, and this is a very big leap towards that. The fire is still burning, maybe brighter than ever."
Looking at the Claret Jug in his post-tournament press conference, the world number three added: "It's an honour. I've always dreamed of doing it.
"That walk up 18 truly is the coolest with the yellow leaderboards and the fans and the standing ovation. It really is one of the coolest feelings I've ever had in my life."
The Open: Rose lauds 'cold competitor' Schauffele after second-placed finish
Justin Rose accepted he had lost out to a "cold competitor" in Xander Schauffele after the American triumphed at the 152nd Open at Royal Troon on Sunday.
Schauffele shot a magnificent final round of 65 to seal a two-shot victory in Scotland, winning his second major after he also came out on top at May's PGA Championship.
Rose joined Billy Horschel in a share of second, the Englishman managing two birdies in his final three holes to close the gap.
Rose – who has gone 11 years without winning a major since claiming the U.S. Open title in 2013 – was proud of his efforts and acknowledged he had simply been beaten by the better player.
"Obviously I tried to enjoy the walk down 18 because we did an incredible job out there," Rose told Sky Sports. "I felt like we played unbelievable golf.
"But Xander, every credit to him, he made it look so easy on the back nine. He's a cold, cold competitor, but I couldn't be more proud of myself with the way I competed today.
"There was just one little spell in the round where there were putts on 12, 13 and 14 that didn't drop and that's where the momentum shifted to Xander.
"That putt on 18, to finish strong, I knew it was for second place and I think I at least deserved that for the week.
"It's okay to be beaten by someone who shoots 31 on the back nine but I gave that everything."
Fellow runner-up Horschel, who held a one-stroke lead going into Sunday's final round, was disappointed to drop away, saying: "I'm going to always fight until the end. I was rewarded with three birdies there at the end to finish tied second with a good friend, Justin Rose.
"I should feel disappointed. I had a chance to win a major. I was in a really good position. I just made a few too many mistakes today when I didn't need to.
"But we'll look back on this in an hour and I'll be very happy with what I did this week.
"I did a lot of great things that I can take on to the next few years of majors and hopefully one of these will be my time to step through the door and hold one of them."
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