Welcome to another edition of Hittin’ the Links! It’s all U.S. Open all the time this week, and we’ve got you covered wire-to-wire.
Brooks Koepka is your champion, winning by four shots over Brian Harman and Hideki Matsuyama. It was an impressive showing by the young American, who overpowered the golf course off the tee and excelled on shots into the green as well.
We’ll also hear stories about Justin Thomas, an elderly fan whose last steps were on the grounds at Erin, and a former U.S. Open contender making waves on the Web.com Tour. All that, plus some news from Tiger Woods.
Let’s hit the links!
Hole #1: Brooks Koepka Wins U.S. Open
After keeping it close over the first nine holes on Sunday, Brooks Koepka turned on the jets in a big way as he started the back, leaving the rest of the field in the dust. [Link]
Hole #2: What Erin Hills Got Right
Koepka’s score of -16 wasn’t an outlier, as Erin Hills played decidedly easy for a U.S. Open course in it’s rota debut. Credit where its due though: the USGA didn’t do anything insane in the pursuit of higher scores. [Link]
Hole #3: Dufner Backs up Thomas after 63
Jason Dufner had some choice words for all those critical of Justin Thomas’ record-tying 63 on Saturday. [Link]
Hole #4: Koepka WITB
Koepka is a Nike staffer, but after Nike’s exit from the golf hardware business, he’s floating between several different companies at the moment. [Link]
Hole #5: No Moral Victories for Harman After T2
Brian Harman was in the driver’s seat going into the final round, but a mediocre Sunday opened the door for Koepka. [Link]
Hole #6: Elderly Man Dies at Erin Hills on Friday
94-year-old Marshall Jacobs died at Erin Hills during Friday’s round while walking the course with his son, only three days after his wife passed away. [Link]
Hole #7: Capturing the U.S. Open
ESPN compiled an impressive lineup of the best photography from the 2017 U.S. Open. [Link]
Hole #8: Aaron Wise Wins Air Capital Classic
In Web.com Tour news, Aaron Wise locked up a PGA Tour card by winning the Air Capital Classic in Wichita. Runner up was 2012 U.S. Open contender Beau Hossler, who earned an exemption for the rest of the season on the Web.com Tour. [Link]
Hole #9: Weekly Woods Wrap-up
In contemporary Tiger Woods news, he is currently receiving professional help to manage his pain and sleeping medication. [Link]