For the past couple of years, Connect-Bridgeport has followed the progress of PGA Tour pro Brooks Koepka. The son of Bridgeport native and Bridgeport High School graduate Bob Koepka, Brooks is currently inside the top-30 in the Official World Golf Ranking. He started his golf career at Florida State University, after which he intermittently jetted across the ocean to play the European Challenge Tour and European Tour. As Koepka has made a name for himself, his younger brother Chase has been following suit – but by following a different path.
Chase, who has helped lead the University of South Florida to the NCAA Championship for the first time in school history, is ranked No. 58 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings. This past weekend – while playing at the Mission Inn Spring Spectacular - he had the chance to top his older brother’s collegiate record by capturing his 21st top-10 finish and fourth individual victory. Brooks, who Chase said is an incredible mentor, nabbed 19 top-10 finishes and a trio of victories while playing for FSU.
According to Bob Koepka, his younger son met the challenge, which also resulted in a third seasonal win for the Bulls. The elder Koepka, who is obviously very proud of his boys yet always low-key and humble about their accomplishments, admitted he is reveling in their golfing success.
“I’m very excited about the future. It looks bright,” said Koepka who lives in Lake Worth, Fla. with his wife Sherry.
In July of 2014, Brooks Koepka - a three-time All-American while playing for Florida State – had already captured two European Challenge Tour victories and had impressive finishes at other renowned tournaments. At that time, Bob Koepka – who played basketball and wrestled for BHS - told Connect-Bridgeport that although he may have passed on to his sons a competitive streak – and perhaps a little power and speed - he wasn’t responsible for their golf talent. He did help to introduce his boys to the sport, however. After attending West Virginia Wesleyan College, Koepka temporarily lived in Legionnaire, Pa., where his uncle moved a small golf course and then relocated to Florida, where he continued to play golf.
I’d play in club championships and he would come watch,” Koepka said about Brooks, who was a little boy at the time. “I’d take him down to hit some balls and he became interested in it.”
In November of 2014, Connect-Bridgeport reported that Brooks had captured first place at the Turkish Airlines Open, earning himself a spot in the 2015 majors and World Golf Championship events.
He walked away from the tournament – a stop on the European Tour – with $1.7 million and an invitation to the Masters. He also broke into the world’s top 50 golfers.
In January of 2015, 24-year-old Koepka – an underdog to secure the victory – shot a 5-under 66 to won the Waste Management Phoenix Open by one shot. Securing an eagle on the par-5 15th hole was an indicator that he was about to enter the PGA winners’ circle. That tournament – the same one for which legendary Tiger Woods didn’t make the cut – was attended by a record crowd of more than 560,000.
Koepka’s victory in Arizona placed him in the top 25 world golf rankings and earned him a two-year exemption with regard to PGA eligibility.
“That was big,” Bob Koepka said.
Brooks also accumulated some notable finishes at PGA tour stops in cities from California to Florida and Texas to Rhode Island. Garnering major attention for his explosive drive, keen eye, calculated putt and calm demeanor, Koepka also found himself featured in Golf Magazine, among other publications. He also nabbed a pair of coveted honors: European Tour Rookie of the Year and Challenge Tour Graduate of the Year. He said those two tours were huge stepping stones in his career and a chance to fine tune his game.
At that time, Bob Koepka – who travels the circuit with Sherry – said it was all a little surreal - but certainly in a very good way.
“We’re extremely proud of him. I didn’t envision this was going to happen, but I’m obviously glad that it did,” he said. “I understand the work and commitment he has put in to get where he is. He’s focused on this for a long time and it has been amazing to see him live his dream – and it’s any parent’s dream to see their kid accomplish something at the highest level.”
In August of 2015, Chase was the subject of a United States Golf Association feature story and in January 2016, Brooks Koepka was featured by USA Today Sports.
Read the most recent Golfweek feature about Chase HERE.
Editor's Note: Pictured from top are the Koepka brothers and dad Bobby; Brooks Koepka and Chase Koepka.
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