[Golf Topic] 'Major Man' Kepka "Withdraws from PO Round 1"..."Bitter Exit"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○... "A bitter exit."

'Major hunter' Brooks Koepka (USA, photo) withdrew a day before the first round of the PGA Tour Playoffs (PO), The Northern Trust (total prize money $9.5 million), which opens on the 20th (Korean time) at Boston TPC in Norton, Massachusetts (par 71, 7,342 yards). Currently ranked 97th in the PO rankings, his participation in the second round BMW Championship (total prize money $9.5 million), which only allows 70 players, was naturally canceled as well. It means he effectively ended his 2019/2020 season early.

He was last year's '3-win champion.' Koepka, in particular, showed exceptional strength in major matches by winning 4 out of his total 7 victories in majors. He claimed the top spot at the 2017 US Open, the 2018 US Open 'back-to-back,' the PGA Championship, and again the PGA Championship last year. It is unfortunate that a knee injury has put a brake on his performance. After knee surgery in October last year, he even underwent stem cell treatment, but it seems more time is still needed. He promised to "focus on rehabilitation" and look forward to the next season.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.