U.S. Open leaderboard 2017: Brooks Koepka’s hot start creates two-way tie at top

Posted by Doc Fantasy
Sunday, June 18, 2017 | 0 comments

The leaders are off and running at Erin Hills.

The first-ever U.S. Open at Erin Hills has given some of the world’s best golfers the chance to tame an intimidating course. But with the wind really whipping for the first time this week during Sunday’s final round, two names have risen to the top of a stacked field.

Brooks Koepka moved into a tie for first thanks to a blazing start. The 27-year-old veteran, seeking his first ever major championship, birdied the first two holes of his final round to match Saturday leader Brian Harman at the top of the scoreboard. The 2-under start pushed him to -13 — and within striking distance of the lowest-ever 72-hole U.S. Open score, a record currently held by Rory McIlroy.

Harman has been no slouch himself; his 30-foot, around-the-world putt on the third hole allowed him to keep pace with Koepka and set the stage for what promises to be a shootout in Wisconsin.

While two lesser-known names sit atop the board, some bigger names give chase. Rickie Fowler, whose 7-under start tied an Open record, sits two strokes behind at -11. Fellow World Golf Rankings top 10 staple Hideki Matsuyama is five strokes off the lead, though he’s only got nine holes left in his tournament to make a historic move.

Fowler has emerged as the primary chaser. Justin Thomas, who became the headliner on Saturday, has stumbled early in the final pairing alongside Harman. His chances are quickly fading away.

Other familiar faces like Brandt Snedeker, Sergio Garcia, and local favorite Steve Stricker have all found their way to the happy side of par, but will be non-factors as Koepka and Harman move on to the midpoint of their final rounds.

Full article from SB Nation via http://ift.tt/2ru30Hj