Multiple Major champion Brooks Koepka will be back at St Andrews in October hoping to become the first American to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Koepka, winner of two U.S. Opens and three US PGA Championships, says he is eagerly looking forward to returning, and has described the Old Course as his favourite course in the world.
“I’ve been fortunate to have played in six Dunhill Links already, as well as two Open Championships at St Andrews over the years, and these trips are always highlights to my year," he said.
“It’s a surprise to me that there hasn’t been an American winner of the Dunhill Links so far, so to achieve that this time would be a memorable moment for me in the Championship’s 25th year. I love links golf and St. Andrews is my favourite course in the world. I could play there every day for the rest of my life and never get tired.”
He also has happy personal memories of the Alfred Dunhill Links and was runner-up in the Team Championship in 2014.
“The atmosphere on and off the course at the Dunhill is fantastic,” he added. “I was able to play with my father one year and my good friend and caddie, Ricky Elliott, the other. Those two weeks will always be very special to me.
“Playing with my dad Bob was a few days I will never forget. Being able to do that at the Home of Golf in such a prestigious competition with the great Scottish galleries was a unique moment for both of us. I managed to shoot 64 on the Old Course in front of him which made me very proud. It was a great father and son moment.”
Koepka will also be sharing memories with Tommy Fleetwood of their thrilling battle for the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Despite a breathtaking final round 63 from Fleetwood, which equalled the lowest round in U.S. Open history, he finished second, just one shot behind Koepka.
Along with Koepka and Fleetwood, among the entries for the Championship, which takes place from Oct 1-4 over the three great links courses, the Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, are defending champion Bob MacIntyre, three-time winner Tyrrell Hatton, double winner Padraig Harrington, 2003 champion Lee Westwood, 2023 champion Matt Fitzpatrick and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. Major champions Cam Smith and Bubba Watson have also confirmed they are playing.
With a prize fund of US$5 million, the Alfred Dunhill Links incorporates two separate competitions - an Individual Professional tournament for the world's leading golfers and the Team Championship in which the professionals are paired with amateur golfers which creates a unique atmosphere.
In June 2011 the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation was established as the official Foundation of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Foundation is committed to developing young amateur golfers in Scotland and South Africa and also supports the University of St Andrews and the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, which refurbishes and preserves historical monuments in the town.
Admission is free for all spectators over the first three days of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. To purchase tickets for the final day, Sunday, October 4, visit: https://www.alfreddunhilllinks.com/tickets/
