2022 U.S. Open: Brooks Koepka Gets Back On Track

Brooks Koepka rebounded on Friday with a second-round 67 to put himself in a good position after 36 holes.

Koepka opened up his U.S. Open with a disappointing three-over 73 and found himself seven strokes back of Adam Hadwin’s lead. He was able to convert on a 60+ foot birdie putt at the par-4 3rd hole to get his round rolling.

The 32-year-old was able to add two more birdies along with an impressive eagle while only carding two bogeys en route to a three-under 67.

Koepka averaged 321.5 yards off the tee Friday while avoiding big misses, he spoke about his driving display following the round.

"“Yeah, definitely driving the ball really well,” Koepka said. “Putting the ball in the fairway. That’s really important.”"

At the completion of the round, Koepka was tied with Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns for the low round of the day.

The solid round was exactly what he needed to stay in contention heading into the weekend.

Koepka should be within five shots of the lead by the end of the second round, as the four-time major champion attempts to make a run at yet another U.S. Open this weekend.

One big storyline of the second round was Koepka and Scheffler playing well alongside each other in the same group on Friday morning. Koepka spoke about the two feeding off the nice play of the other throughout the round.

"“Any time you get a group that’s kind of rolling and making putts, doing everything they’re supposed to do, it becomes almost second nature, and you start playing a little better.”"

It’s no secret that Brooks Koepka is a confident player, especially at the major championships. He’s spoken candidly in the past about his opinion that the major championships are sometimes easier to win than regular tournaments.

"“I think sometimes the majors are the easiest ones to win,” Koepka said in 2019. “Half the people shoot themselves out of it, and mentally I know I can beat most of them, and then from there it’s those guys left, who’s going to play good and who can win?”"

Koepka won the 2019 PGA Championship days after giving that quote to reporters. Following his second round, he spoke about his confidence and current mindset with media on-site at The Country Club.

"“I don’t come here hoping for second place,” he said. “I think if you are a good player, you want to come in here and win.”"

It will be interesting to see if Brooks Koepka can make a move on Saturday to put himself in contention heading into a Sunday at the U.S. Open. He will definitely be one of the favorites if he’s within striking distance come Sunday afternoon.