Brooks Koepka struggles despite lengthy coaching session before US Open

In early June, Brooks Koepka faced significant challenges in his golfing performance, having gone without a major title since his victory at the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills. His recent experience involved a critical 45-minute scolding session with his short-game coach, Pete Cowen. This intense coaching took place during a practice round, as Koepka looked to address the mechanics affecting his game. Despite his previous success, including five major wins, Koepka had not finished in the top 10 of a major for two years, indicating a significant disconnect in his performance. Koepka openly acknowledged his struggles with perception and execution regarding his golf swings, revealing that his performance had become inconsistent, leading to frustration. The coaching session proved crucial, as it aimed to help him realign his mechanics and regain the clarity necessary for competitive play. Following the session, Koepka noted improvements, stating that he was starting to see better ball flight and less variability in his strokes. He expressed the importance of receiving honest feedback from his coach, as he preferred a critical perspective rather than mere affirmation. In addition to Koepka's situation, Scottie Scheffler emerged as a notable contender, recently excelling with three wins in his last four tournaments, including major accomplishments in various prestigious events. The 2025 U.S. Open was approaching, and while Scheffler appeared to be at his peak performance, questions lingered regarding whether this level of play was sufficient for success at the upcoming championship. Various factors surrounding the competitive dynamics between established golfers and those from the newly launched LIV Golf tour also influenced perceptions in the sport. Scheffler's rapid ascent came simultaneously with significant changes in the golf landscape due to LIV Golf's development, which drew numerous high-profile players away from the traditional PGA Tour. As the sport evolves, there have been discussions about potential adaptations within the PGA structure to address the challenges posed by this new rival tour, stirring debate among fans and analysts about the implications for the future of professional golf. The U.S. Open would witness these critical narratives unfolding on the grand stage, with both Koepka and Scheffler facing unique challenges and opportunities in their respective journeys.