SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Congratulations to the PGA Tour’s newest winner, Brooks … Cupcake?
That’s how the announcer on the first tee at TPC Scottsdale pronounced the name of Brooks Koepka, which drew a smile from the player in question. The mis-pronunciation didn’t phase Koepka (pronounced KEP-kuh), as the 24-year-old went on to notch his maiden PGA Tour win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Waste Management Phoenix Open : Articles, videos and photos
“We were laughing about that when I walked off the tee,” Koepka said. “I was laughing while I was taking practice swings. I don’t even know. Most people don’t know how to say it, so I’m not surprised. He’s not the first one, he won’t be the last.”
Koepka began the final round three shots behind Martin Laird, but he ended up one shot clear of the pack after a 5-under 66 in the final round. He also won in November on the European Tour, and based on his victory Sunday, Koepka is projected to move to No. 19 in the world rankings.
According to Koepka, though, he might not even be the best player in his family on a regular basis, as younger brother Chase beat him the last time the two played together two weeks ago.
“He got me,” he said of brother Chase, 21, who plays for the University of South Florida. “He’s always looking forward to coming back from school and teeing it up with me. We just don’t get the chance that much.”
