Koepka win crowns Rory Euro king
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European Tour rookie Brooks Koepka bagged his first tour victory at the Turkish Airlines Open on Sunday – crowning Rory McIlroy Race to Dubai winner in the process.
The 24-year-old Floridian’s win means McIlroy was confirmed as Europe’s 2013-14 money-list winner ahead of this week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Koepka fought all day with Ian Poulter when the American struck a majestic approach at the 13th and rolled in a 12-foot eagle putt to go two strokes clear. The Englishman, in the match behind, had to make do with a birdie at the 13th and the title came down to the par 518th. When Koepka made par at the final hole at Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Poulter had to make birdie to force a play-off. The Englishman found the sand with his second, but hit a lovely 40-yard bunker shot to about six-feet to set-up a play-off. But the putt slid by.
“This is awesome,” Koepka told Sky Sports television after a closing seven-under 65. “This field is first class. Some of the best players in the world and it’s nice to get the win. To make that eagle putt was very big for me to build momentum over the last few holes,” said Koepka as the sun came down over the still waters of the Mediterranean in the distance.”
Poulter (67) finished two ahead of Swede Henrik Stenson (64) and three in front of Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez, overnight leader Wade Ormsby of Australia and English pair Andy Sullivan and Danny Willett.
Brooks Koepka: In the bag
Driver: Titleist 915D2 (8.5 degrees)
3-wood: Titleist 915F (15 degrees)
Hybrid: Titleist 915Hd (20.5 degrees)
Irons: Titleist 714 CB (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM5 (52 and 56 degrees), Titleist Vokey SM4 TVD 60M
Putter: Scotty Cameron GoLo 3Golf
Ball: Prototype Titleist Pro V1x
