Koepka claims PGA Championship for fifth major in landmark LIV win

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Koepka claims PGA Championship for fifth major in landmark LIV win

Brooks Koepka of the United States celebrates with the trophy
Brooks Koepka of the United States celebrates with the trophyAFP
Brooks Koepka claimed a PGA Championship hat-trick and a landmark major win for LIV Golf on Sunday but the day also belonged to Michael Block, a club professional, who capped a golfing fairytale with a hole-in-one.

Koepka, saying he had learned his lessons from last month's Masters when he led by two going into the final round before a collapse opened the door for Jon Rahm to grab the Green Jacket, began the day with a one shot advantage and would not let go.

He carded a three-under 67 for a two-shot victory over Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland. The win gives Koepka a fifth major and third PGA Championship to go with back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019.

Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a second shot on the eighth hole
Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a second shot on the eighth holeAFP

With Koepka clinging to a one-shot lead, the turning point came at the par four 16th where the big-hitting American had a birdie and Hovland a double-bogey after trouble in a fairway bunker, opening up a four-shot cushion.

The win will also be remembered as a landmark moment for LIV Golf, Koepka's major victory the first by a member of the controversial Saudi-bankrolled venture providing badly needed validation.

Brooks Koepka of the United States and Viktor Hovland of Norway congratulate each other on the 18th green
Brooks Koepka of the United States and Viktor Hovland of Norway congratulate each other on the 18th greenAFP

For all the magic produced by golf's biggest names at Oak Hill none could match what Block, an unknown club professional, conjured up.

Already a fan favourite before the final round teed off, Block, one of 20 teaching professionals in the field, added to a Rocky-like Hollywood script when his tee shot at the par-three 15th soared into the air and slammed straight into the cup without even rattling the flagstick.

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