Brooks Koepka won his fifth major title at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, NY on Sunday, May 21, 2023. Despite being stunned by injuries, Koepka held onto his position as one of golf’s elite players and emerged victorious from a hard-fought battle with Victor Hovland, finishing with a 3-under 67 and a two-shot victory.
Koepka’s victory was particularly sweet given his absence from the game due to injury for eighteen months and his subsequent decision to join Saudi-funded LIV Golf. In an episode of the Netflix series Full Swing earlier this year, Koepka revealed that his confidence had turned to doubt. However, his victory at the PGA Championship showed that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
With five major wins, Koepka is in elite company, with only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, and Ben Hogan surpassing his 22 major wins in the past 75 years. Koepka’s victory at Oak Hill moves him up to No. 13 in the world rankings and No. 2 in the Ryder Cup rankings, making it likely that he will be selected for the US team.
Despite strong competition from club pro Michael Block, who tied for 15th place, Koepka was the clear winner at Oak Hill, earning $3.15 million in prize money and the Wanamaker Trophy for the third time. His victory showed that, after a period of injury and doubt, he is still one of golf’s top players.