Top Players Advance as Brooks Koepka Exits Early at WM Phoenix Open
Brooks Koepka faced an early exit at the WM Phoenix Open. Despite trying a new putter, he struggled on the greens. Koepka lost a total of approximately 2.4 strokes to the field during the tournament, with 2.5 strokes lost specifically on putting. This was his second event since returning to the PGA TOUR.
Koepka’s Struggles
Koepka, a five-time major champion, switched to a TaylorMade Spider model, similar to those used by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Despite this, he was unable to qualify for the weekend, a marked contrast to his performance at the Farmers Insurance Open the previous week.
Encouraging Signs
While Koepka showed signs of improvement, gaining roughly a stroke on the greens during his second round, it wasn’t enough to counteract a tough opening round where he lost 3.5 strokes in putting. He remains optimistic and intends to focus on the upcoming Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
Top Players Advance
Collin Morikawa also sought momentum, finishing the second round with a score of 69, placing him at 1-under par. On the other hand, Si Woo Kim produced a stunning round of 62, elevating him to T2 at 7-under par, surpassing even the strong performance of Hideki Matsuyama.
Others Making the Cut
- Tom Kim: 66, finished at 3-under par
- Min Woo Lee: 65, finished at 6-under par
- Rickie Fowler: 68, finished at 3-under par
The morning wave of competitors thrived in calm conditions, securing their positions for the weekend. In the afternoon, Scottie Scheffler rebounded with a bogey-free 65, bringing him to 4-under par.
Notable Performances
Sahith Theegala, starting on the cutline, shot a remarkable 65, including two eagles. He now holds a T5 position, promoting his chances for a notable victory. Other impressive efforts included:
- J.T. Poston: 6-under over his last six holes, finishing at 1-under
- Wyndham Clark: Five birdies in his final seven holes, finishing on the cutline
As play continues, the WM Phoenix Open showcases a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, making for an exciting weekend ahead.
