Brooks Kopeka makes more history with another top-5 major finish

Despite not winning the Claret Jug, Brooks Kopeka showed his consistency in majors with a four-place finish at Royal Portrush.

This year’s Open Championship was Northern Ireland’s chance to host golf’s oldest major. Coming into the week, Northern Ireland native Rory McIlroy was the popular favorite to win a home Open Championship.

While Ireland’s Shane Lowry won his first major at -15, Brooks Kopeka showed his determination and will, finishing tied for fourth with Lee Westwood at -6.

For the first three days, most golfers took advantage of calmer conditions. On Sunday, the golf course took out its revenge on the field. A windy, rainy day proved to be difficult for most golfers. J.B. Holmes finished his final round with an 87.

After rounds of 68, 69, and 67, Kopeka looked on the outside of contention at -9, seven shots adrift of Lowry heading into Sunday’s final round. A good round would have given Kopeka a chance at his fifth major since 2017.

Like most golfers, Kopeka struggled with the weather on Sunday, posting a 74. His best moment came when eagled the fifth hole, but that came after four consecutive bogeys to begin his final round.

Despite the early setbacks, Kopeka grinded his way around the course for another solid week of major golf.

Kopeka’s finish also put him in a group with Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth as golfers who recorded top-five finishes in all four majors during an individual year. Counting his 2018 PGA Championship win, Kopeka has recorded five straight top-five major finishes.

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In an Open Championship with some surprises battling for the title, Kopeka’s name was not a surprise near the lead.

While Kopeka was contending, other top golfers were nowhere in sight. Woods and McIlroy both missed the cut. Dustin Johnson finished 18 shots behind Lowry at +3.

Sometimes, golf’s best players do not always win majors, but consistency is showing their ability to deal with any course or weather condition. After a top-five at Royal Portrush, Kopeka is more than capable of hoisting the Claret Jug as Open champ one day.