MIAMI:
Brooks Koepka warmed up for the Masters next week with a second round LIV Golf title on Sunday after winning the first round in Orlando.
Four major championships Koepkaone of the worst names from the PGA Tour on the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit last year, fired a three-under 68 to record victory at Orlando’s Orange County National Course.
The 32-year-old American paced himself with four birdies and one bogey to finish at 15 under and take home the $4 million prize – $1.3 million more than winning the The first big game next week of 2023 in Augusta will be available.
“I’m finally healthy and it’s good to play good golf,” said Koepka, who has battled several injuries in recent seasons.
“It blows my mind what I can do when I’m healthy. Going into next week that’s what you want to see.”
Koepka is the first man on the LIV Golf Tour to win two events, with his win in Orlando followed by his season-ending victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last October eat
He now heads to Augusta looking to add to his collection of big wins in the hobby.
“This is a good test for Augusta – the green speed is quite fast, it’s even. If I hit a few more difficult shots it might be a bit easier, but I’m just happy to get the win,” Koepka said.
Koepka looked to be in control after leading by two shots with three holes to play. But Colombian Sebastian Munoz birdied the 16th to close the gap to one shot with two holes remaining.
Munoz nearly bogeyed the 17th after hitting a bogey on the back of the green.
But the South American rolled a nervous 10-footer after putting it on the green and the fourth hit the green.
Koepka was able to get all but assured victory at the 17th, but missed an opportunity to reestablish a two-shot lead when his 10-foot birdie putt rolled.
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