Brooks Koepka was born with a little power and a little speed. That, combined with mechanics – and a dynamic skill set developed over the years - has enabled him to deliver some explosive driving power on the golf course.

 

After much perseverance, the son of Bridgeport High School graduate Bob Koepka has become an official U.S. pro golfer and one of his most impressive feats to date is his first PGA Tour title.

 

At the late-January Waste Management Phoenix Open, 24-year-old Koepka – an underdog to secure the victory – shot a 5-under 66 to win the tournament by one shot. Securing an eagle on the par-5 15^th hole was an indicator that the former Florida State three-time All-American 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,” said Bob Koepka, member of the BHS Class of 1977.

 

Since that win, he’s 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 has also found himself featured in Golf Magazine, among other publications.

 

His dad admits that when it all sinks in, it’s 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.”

 

With regard to the golfer’s iconic mild temperament, the elder Koepka attributes that to maturity.

 

“That comes with understanding there’s only so much you can do,” he said. “Overreacting to a shot isn’t going to bring it back.”

 

When at all possible, Bob and Sherry Koepka travel the country to watch their son play. There are times, however, when they split time between Brooks and his younger brother Chase, a junior on the University of South Florida golf team. The USF Bulls recently won the NCAA regional in New Haven, Ct. and a subsequent shot at the NCAA championship. Like his brother, Chase Koepka was also named All-American for his collegiate efforts and he is also a three-time All-Conference player.

 

“He’s busy doing his own thing and has a busy summer ahead,” Bob Koepka said.

 

Included is a trip to Johnstown, Pa. for the Pennsylvania Amateur and subsequent stops in Rhode Island, North Carolina and Chicago, Ill.

 

Brooks Koepka still has plenty of 2015 PGA action ahead of him, but this past weekend he was in Europe to receive a pair of coveted honors: European Tour Rookie of the Year and Challenge Tour Graduate of the Year. Those two tours are huge stepping stones in his career and a chance to fine tune his game, he said.

 

Koepka’s first European victory was the 2012 Challenge de Catalunya, followed by a trio of 2013 wins: the Montecchia Golf Open, the Fred Olsen Challenge de España and the Scottish Hydro Challenge.

 

Before playing the Challenge and European Tours, Koepka felt people hadn’t seen him play enough to have confidence in him as a golfer.

 

That has changed. Tasting success on the PGA Tour has left him hungry for more and Koepka said he’s willing to put in the work to make it happen. And before long, there might just be two Koepkas on that circuit. 

 

See highlights of the Jan. 29 Waste Management Phoenix Open at the You Tube video below. 

 

Top photo featuring Koepka's swing series is courtesy of Golf Digest.