'Major Killer' Kepka's Spectacular Return... How Is His Knee Condition?

Slump After October 2019 Knee Surgery, Phoenix Open Comeback Victory on the 8th Signals 'Revival Mode'

Brooks Koepka is cheering after making an eagle on the 17th hole on the final day of the Phoenix Open. Scottsdale, Arizona, USA = Getty Images / Multivitz Photo by Multivitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "My knee is fully healed."

The dazzling comeback of 'Major Killer' Brooks Koepka (USA). On the final day of the Waste Management Phoenix Open (total prize money $7.3 million) held at Scottsdale TPC (Par 71, 7,261 yards) in Arizona, USA on the 8th (Korean time), he surged with a 6-under-par round to clinch a one-stroke come-from-behind victory (19-under-par 265). It was his first win in a staggering 1 year and 7 months since the World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational in July 2019.

Koepka was once the world No. 1. He first made headlines by winning the European Tour Playoffs 3rd leg, the Turkish Airlines Open, in November 2014, and claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Phoenix Open in February 2015. Among his total 8 wins, 4 are majors, showing his strength in major championships. He achieved back-to-back US Open titles in 2017 and 2018, and in May 2019, he successfully defended his PGA Championship title for the first time in 12 years, setting a new milestone.

The 2019 season was a highlight for Koepka. He swept 3 wins including The CJ Cup and the FedEx St. Jude Invitational, and demonstrated incredible power by finishing in the top 5 in all four majors: runner-up at the Masters and US Open, and tied for 4th at The Open. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted by knee surgery in October. Despite dedicating himself to rehabilitation with stem cell treatment, he struggled in the 2020 season, missing the cut 5 times in 13 tournaments, causing much frustration.

The slump continued into the 2021 season. He missed the cut in three consecutive recent tournaments: the Mayakoba Classic in December last year, and the American Express and Farmers Insurance Open in January. However, at the Phoenix Open, Koepka unleashed drives up to 359 yards and operated his 'computer iron shots' with an average greens in regulation rate of 86.11% over four rounds. Averaging 1.69 putts per hole and scoring two eagles on the final day, it was truly a 'perfect play.'

On a stage featuring world stars such as world No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain), No. 3 Justin Thomas, No. 4 Xander Schauffele (both USA), and No. 6 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), Koepka entered 'resurrection mode,' drawing even more spotlight. Koepka, who said he "went through tough days to the point where people wondered if I could really come back," also cheered, "My body didn’t cooperate, but I always believed I could win. Finally, I did it."

Brooks Koepka is holding the trophy and posing for a commemorative photo immediately after winning the Phoenix Open. Scottsdale, Arizona, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

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