Turns out Trump National Doral wasn’t such a great Masters tune-up for Brooks Koepka.
Koepka talked about honing his game at the LIV event last weekend, saying the entire week was about checking off the final boxes of his preparation for the year’s first major.
Koepka may need another strategy next year.
After finishing tied for second in 2023, Koepka, 33, had his worst week at Augusta National Golf Course, other than missing the cut in 2022. The Jupiter resident finished at 9-over 297, four shots higher than his previous worst score. He finished with a 75 Sunday after rounds of 73, 73 and 76.
The five-time major champion, who continues to chase his first green jacket, was tied for 48th when his round ended.
After carding a 65, 67 in 2023 – and at one time leading by five shots – Koepka now has been over par for six consecutive rounds at August National Golf Club. He carded his two highest scores of his Masters career this weekend: 75 (his fourth time) and 76, which occurred one other time, the third round in 2016.
Koepka’s fifth major came at last year’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill. He will attempt to defend his title next month at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. He has won the PGA Championship three times.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf writer for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.