Brooks Koepka, born May 3, 1990, is an American professional golfer known for his success on the prestigious LIV Golf League. Before joining this league, he played on the PGA Tour and achieved numerous victories and accolades.
In October 2018, Koepka reached the pinnacle of his sport by becoming the world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking, holding this title for an impressive 47 weeks after winning the 2018 CJ Cup.
Koepka’s career has been marked by several major championship wins, which have solidified his reputation as one of the top golfers in the world. Off the course, Brooks Koepka has also generated headlines for his personal life.
In July 2021, he and his wife, Jena Sims, announced the birth of their first child.
With a powerful game and unwavering determination, Brooks Koepka continues to make his mark in golf. His impact and success have influenced the sport and inspired a younger generation of aspiring golfers.
In this article, we will delve deeper into Brooks Koepka’s life, covering the following:
- Quick Stats & Net Worth
- Early Life and Family
- Professional Journey
- Achievements and Awards
- Personal Life
- Controversies and Opinions
- Brooks Koepka’s Life Outside Golf
Let’s take a look!
Brooks Koepka: Quick Stats & Net Worth
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brooks Koepka |
| Net Worth | $65m (estimated) |
| Birthdate | May 3, 1990 |
| Birthplace | West Palm Beach, Florida, USA |
| Height | 6′ 0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| College | Florida State University |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| PGA Tour Wins | 8 |
| European Tour Wins | 4 |
| World Golf Ranking | 4 (as of August 22, 2023) |
| Official Money (PGA Tour) | $44,821,500 |
| Scoring Average (PGA Tour) | 70.03 |
| Scoring Average (European Tour) | 69.29 |
| Driving Distance (PGA Tour) | 309.3 yards |
| Driving Accuracy Percentage (PGA Tour) | 57.0% |
| Greens in Regulation Percentage (PGA Tour) | 66.6% |
| Putts per Round (PGA Tour) | 28.74 |
| Total Eagles (PGA Tour) | 27 |
| Total Birdies (PGA Tour) | 2,157 |
| Total Pars (PGA Tour) | 2,114 |
| Total Bogeys (PGA Tour) | 348 |
| Total Double Bogeys (PGA Tour) | 51 |
Brooks Koepka: Early Life
Brooks Koepka was born on May 3, 1990, in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. He is the son of Bob Koepka and Denise Jakows. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Brooks developed an early interest in golf alongside his younger brother, Chase, an aspiring professional golfer.
Their family had another notable athlete, Dick Groat, a multisport athlete 60 years ago and a long-time analyst for the University of Pittsburgh’s basketball team. The Koepka brothers inherited a love for sports from their athletic family.
Brooks attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach during high school, where he excelled in his golf game.
He was a part of the school’s golf team and showcased impressive skills on the green, garnering attention from college scouts. In addition to golf, Koepka displayed his athletic abilities in other sports, including baseball and basketball.
Upon graduating from high school, Brooks Koepka decided to pursue his golf career further and attended Florida State University. There, he joined the university’s golf team and competed in various college golf tournaments. While at Florida State, Koepka’s impressive performances earned him All-American honors three times, solidifying his status as a promising young golfer from college.
Brooks Koepka’s early life laid a strong foundation for the successful golf career he would go on to have.
From a supportive family background to honing his high school and college skills, Koepka’s dedication and passion for the sport were evident from the start. As we now know, these formative years would lead him to become one of the top golfers in the world.
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Brooks Koepka: Professional Journey
Official World Golf Ranking
In October 2018, he reached the pinnacle of his professional journey by becoming the world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking after winning the 2018 CJ Cup.
He held this position for 47 weeks, showcasing his immense talent and consistently strong performances on the golf course.
Major Championships
Koepka has had notable success in Major Championships. He has won the PGA Championship twice, first at Bellerive Country Club in 2018 and at Bethpage Black in 2019.
Koepka also claimed victory in the U.S. Open Championship, securing the title in consecutive years. He won at Erin Hills in 2017 and then defended his title at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.
Koepka has competed against notable golfers like Rahm, Fowler, Rose, Spieth, McIlroy, and Dustin Johnson throughout his career. Jack Nicklaus has praised his strong performances in the Majors, reinforcing his status as an elite golfer.
Brooks Koepka’s latest major win was at the 2023 PGA Championship, which he won for the third time, clinching his fifth major title.
He became the first LIV Golf player to win a major championship, carding a final-round 67 at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, to win by two strokes over Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland. Koepka’s commanding final round showing saw him make six birdies, including three in a row on holes 12, 13, and 14.
This win solidifies Koepka’s status as one of the best golfers of his generation and cements his place in golf history.
PGA Tour
Some of his notable achievements include:
- Winning the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational
- Representing the U.S. in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup
- Scoring top finishes in prestigious tournaments, such as the Masters Tournament and the Open Championship
- 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill
LIV Golf League
In his most recent career move, Koepka joined the LIV Golf League, where he competes in events such as the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Koepka debuted on the LIV Golf Invitational Series in Portland, further expanding his golf career and showcasing his skills on a different golf stage. His participation in the LIV Golf League adds another dimension to his impressive professional journey, allowing him to continue impacting the golf community.
Personal Life
Family
Brooks Koepka was born in the United States on May 3, 1990. As of August 28, 2023, he is 33 years old. On his 33rd birthday, Brooks and his wife, Jena Sims, announced they were expecting their first child.
Romantic Relationships
Brooks Koepka is married to Jena Sims, an actress and former beauty queen. The couple first connected online and met for the first time at the Masters Tournament in Augusta National in 2015. They got married in June of 2022. Jena often accompanies Brooks to various golf tournaments and supports him in his career.
Jena has also opened up about her experience with pregnancy, sharing that she has faced some challenges.
She revealed on her Instagram story that she had to undergo a C-section due to complications. Despite the difficulties, the couple welcomed their little one, whom they’ve called Crew Sims Koepka.
Controversies and Opinions
Disputes
One noteworthy dispute involving Brooks Koepka occurred during the Ryder Cup when he and his teammate Daniel Berger were denied a free drop by the officials in a foursomes match. It led to a conflict between the players and the officials, resulting in visible frustration for Koepka and Berger.
Another high-profile feud involved Koepka and fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau. T
heir rivalry reportedly began at the 2019 U.S. Open. Since then, several incidents have transpired, including a viral video where Koepka rolls his eyes and loses his train of thought during an interview due to DeChambeau walking past him.
The rivalry has seen its fair share of criticisms and defenses from fans and golf enthusiasts.
Criticism and Defense
Koepka has faced criticism for his controversial statements regarding his performance at specific tournaments. He regrets a few of those comments but has maintained his stance on others. For instance, he received backlash for his comments on the difficulty of some tournaments like the Wyndham Championship.
Nevertheless, Koepka has a significant fan base and has been supported and defended by many in the golf community.
Greg Norman, for example, has praised Koepka and even partnered with him and Rickie Fowler to participate in the Saudi Arabian-financed LIV Golf Invitational Series.
This association with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has also attracted scrutiny and debate, with some golfers questioning the ethics of participating in events linked to the kingdom.
In terms of personal life, Koepka has maintained a strong presence in the spotlight, not only for his golf achievements but also for his relationship with model and actress Jena Sims.
The couple has been documented attending events and engaging in charitable work, garnering both support and criticism from the public.
Personal disputes, controversial statements, and notable partnerships have marked Brooks Koepka’s career. Maintaining a posture of confidence and skill, his decisions and opinions continue to shape the golf world.
Outside Golf: Brooks Koepka’s Hobbies and Interests
While Brooks Koepka is primarily known for his golfing abilities, he has also expressed interests outside of the sport. In interviews, he has mentioned his love for surfing, fishing, and watching American football.
He is also a fan of the Miami Dolphins and has been seen wearing their gear on the golf course. Additionally, Koepka has been involved with philanthropic efforts, including supporting military veterans and their families through the Birdies for the Brave charity organization.
He has also been involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and has participated in charity golf events to raise money for various causes.
Off the golf course, Brooks Koepka also enjoys engaging with fans and sharing his thoughts related to golf through platforms like CBS Sports. He has participated in interviews and provided insightful commentary on various aspects of the sport, giving fans an inside look at the mindset of a top-level professional golfer.
