PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 21, 2023

Brooks Koepka

Oak Hill Country Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Brooks, you're now a five-time major champion. You have entered into a completely new echelon of the world of golf. What does this mean to you in?

BROOKS KOEPKA: It's incredible. I look back to a couple of years ago and where I'm at now. To be able to be here is special. It means a hell of a lot more to me.

Q. You mentioned that struggle over the past couple of years. You've been through injury and self-doubt. What has it taken to get back?

BROOKS KOEPKA: A lot of pain, physical pain. But I'm happy to be here. I've worked my butt off. Rick has worked his butt off. He has been there for me. He was there and basically baby-sat me during the whole surgery process and everything, so he is the man.

Q. You have always said golf is about major championships. You won your fifth one this week against a pretty elite group of players. What does it mean?

BROOKS KOEPKA: It's incredible. Someone said that there are maybe only 20 guys in the room on 5, so that's pretty special. Hopefully I can just keep adding to it. It would be pretty cool.

Q. A couple of times during the round, it's always tough out there at 6 and you drove it into the penalty area, 11 into the bunker. Anything going through your mind at that point?

BROOKS KOEPKA: 6 I don't know what I did. That was just a horrific golf swing. 11 I didn't have a club for it. I felt like water was in play because it was short. I knew I was going to go into that bunker. If it's maybe 10 feet to the right, it runs up on that green. It's just a difficult shot to get to the hole.

I felt like I was in control all day. Played pretty solid, putted well. Honestly, I don't know if I would have won this one if that stuff didn't happen. I'm glad the way it worked out.

Q. You won your fifth major. You and Jena announced you are going to have your first child. It's pretty special.

BROOKS KOEPKA: Yeah, it's pretty special. The last few months have been truly special just for me, my family, and going forward now life is going to change a little bit for us, but it will be fun.

I know Jena is looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. It will be a lot of fun.

Q. As you look at the round, what were some big moments in the round, and what you do you feel is different from the last time?

BROOKS KOEPKA: Last time as in Augusta?

Q. Yeah.

BROOKS KOEPKA: I just learned. I knew what I did in Augusta. Spent the whole night thinking about it. I knew what I did, and I knew I was never going to come out and do that again. Didn't do that.

I felt in control all day. To be honest with you, probably the one that was settling was the par-5, making birdie there. I feel like that was a good putt, and the other ones were 3, 4 feet. I think maybe going forward it helped build some momentum early.

Q. The five majors now, three PGAs. Given all you went through and rehab and doubt, is it as sweet as any?

BROOKS KOEPKA: This is probably the sweetest one of them all just because of all the hard work that had to go into this one. It's special.

Q. You were absolutely unflappable today. Can you explain the mindset that you had?

BROOKS KOEPKA: Maybe the opposite of what I did at Augusta. I just came out. I learned a lot from Augusta, just the way I thought, the way I approached it.

I made sure if Augusta doesn't happen, maybe I'll get this one. I'm very pleased with the learning process that I've gone on in the last, I guess, month.

Q. Looking back the last couple of years, all the doubting of your own abilities, how were you able to overcome all of that and stand here today? How satisfying is it to be holding the Wanamaker for the third time?

BROOKS KOEPKA: It's a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice. I think no one knows it more than probably than Ricky, my caddie. He was there during surgery. He has had his work cut out. Wasn't seeing the results right away, and it was frustrating. (Indiscernible)

Q. Was there ever a doubt in your mind that you would hold up the Wanamaker Trophy on the 18th green today?

BROOKS KOEPKA: Not the 18th green. I felt pretty good when I hit the fairway. I felt like I was in full control. I just want to hit the 17th tee shot over again.

Q. For the Rochester fans, what would you like to say to them? They battled the rain and the frost.

BROOKS KOEPKA: They had an interesting week. Yeah, they were awesome. New York fans always bring a bunch of energy. They're loud. I love it.