American Brooks Koepka has been named the Sir Henry Cotton European Tour Rookie of the Year for 2014.
In his first season on the Tour he has finished eighth in The Race to Dubai, an impressive achievement for a rookie which was capped with a victory in the Turkish Airlines Open.
Perhaps more impressively Koepka finished in a tie for fourth at the US Open and joint-15th at the US PGA Championship.
“Winning the Rookie of the Year means so much,” he said. “I’ve worked so hard this year, and to see the results is fun.
“To cap the year off with a win in Turkey has made this year special, and it’s a goal I’ve been working for since I was able to come out on Tour, and that was the goal starting the year.
KOEPKA WITH THE TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN TROPHY
“Looking back where I was two years ago, and then where I am today, is special. So to win Turkey and win Rookie of the Year is amazing.
“Coming over, having nowhere to play and getting a win on The Challenge Tour, and then getting the promotion, was unbelievable.
“And now to win on The European Tour is special, and to win Rookie of the Year, you look at all the names, guys who have won it, especially last year; Pete Uihlein, so at least we can keep it in the house.”
PROFILE OF BROOKS KOEPKA: ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 2014
Name: Brooks Koepka
D.O.B: 3 May 1990
Born: Wellington, Florida
Wins: European Tour – Turkish Airlines Open – 16 November 2014
Challenge Tour – Scottish Hydro Challenge – 23 June 2013
Fred Olsen Challenge – 2 June 2013
Montecchia Golf Open – 5 May 2013
Challenge de Catalunya – 30 September 2012
Did you know? He qualified for the 2012 U.S Open whilst still an amateur
What next? Following his first European Tour win, Koepka will head into 2015 with a new-found confidence. Currently ranked 35th in the world, the young American will look to replicate his fourth place finish at this year’s U.S Open and aim to make a statement in the other majors throughout next year.
