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So far, 2020 isn’t going Brooks Koepka’s way.

Prior to this week, the four-time major champion had played only four times following a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, his best finish a tie for 17th in the Saudi International last month.

He also gave up the No.1 spot on the Official World Golf Ranking to Rory McIlroy and has since been overtaken by Jon Rahm, too.

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More recently, he missed the cut in last week’s Honda Classic after a pair of 74s.

He made it to the weekend in this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational – but, the way his Saturday has gone, he could perhaps be forgiven for wishing he’d had another weekend off instead.

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That’s because Koepka slumped to a miserable nine-over 81 at Bay Hill – his WORST ever score on the PGA Tour.

The 29-year-old opened with back-to-back bogeys. Another followed at the par-3 seventh before he doubled the ninth to be out in 41.

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The rot continued with four bogeys in five holes from the turn before he carded his solitary birdie of the day at the par-5 16th – only to hand it right back with a bogey at the 17th.

It all added up to an inward nine of 40 and a thoroughly grim day at the office.

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Koepka’s previous career-high score was an 80 in the second round of the 2013 Open. That was only his fourth career round on the tour. Today was his 444th.

Still, it could be worse – he could be Robert Gamez. Koepka’s fellow American, a three-time PGA Tour winner, had rounds of 83 and 84 to miss the cut and finish 23-over-par… ten shots worse than his nearest challenger!


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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