MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Brooks Koepka knows he has lot to learn about the PGA Tour, and the former All-American at Florida State is proving to be a very quick study.
Koepka shot a 3-under 67 Friday to turn a lead he shared with two others after 18 holes into a solo lead by a stroke after the second round Friday at the St. Jude Classic. It’s just his second time with at least a piece of the 36-hole lead on the PGA Tour, and puts him halfway to what could be his second career title and second since the start of February.
“I’m still 25,” Koepka said. “I’ve been out here for a year now. Just trying to learn and make sure I’m ready for the majors, make sure I’m ready for five years from now. I just got to be patient.”
Koepka, who won in Phoenix in February, shared the first-round lead with Ryan Palmer and Greg Owen. He turned in a four birdie-one bogey round for a 9-under 131.
“Playing solid golf, no mistakes, being very patient, waiting for my opportunities to come,” Koepka said. “And when they have come, I’ve kind of taken advantage of them, but I still feel like I could be about 5, 6 under par … Really haven’t been firing on all cylinders, but good enough to be at the top.”