Brooks Koepka Gets Brutally Honest on Tension With Coach on 'Bad Habits' at US Open
The 125th U.S. Open teed off at Oakmont Country Club, and as expected, the brutal course setup challenged even the best players in the world. While only 10 players managed to shoot under par, J.J. Spaun surged ahead with a bogey-free 66, fueled by a record-setting 31 on his first nine. Brooks Koepka is in the mix too, carding a solid 2-under par 68 to tie for third, just two strokes behind Spaun.
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Koepka had a standout moment with a 42-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fourth hole, then bounced back from even par with birdies on 17 and 18.
But the story behind the scenes is just as intriguing. Koepka opened up about a tough session with coach Pete Cowen that lasted 45 minutes in a bunker. The golfer admitted that the coach had an intense discussion with him over "bad habits" he had developed.
Brooks Koepka lines up his putt on the 17th green during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
'I just sat there, and he scolded me pretty well," Koepka admitted during a Thursday media session. "But yeah, it's just a matter of executing what the field's first perception of where I've been."
Justin Thomas even came over to check on him during this intense bunker session.
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"Yeah, (with) Pete, I'll keep that between us," Koepka added. "... I wasn't happy with it. But it was something I think you need to hear, or I needed to hear, at the right time. And it's not the first time he's done it."
This honesty and grit may just spark a turnaround. After missing the cut at the Masters and PGA Championship, Koepka looks determined to get back in the major conversation.
As for his career earnings, Koepka isn't just stacking trophies as the star has accumulated money on both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. According to Spotrac, Koepka raked in $29.8 million from his time on the PGA Tour and a whopping $44.1 million with LIV Golf.
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Koepka's total career earnings stand at a massive $95 million, with $21 million coming from majors alone. Now, with a strong start at Oakmont, Koepka looks ready to add to that total.
Related: Tiger Woods Injury: Is PGA Tour Star Golfer Playing in US Open Today?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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