After Rocky Start, US Open Focuses On The Golf

Brooks Koepka won the 117th U.S. Open Men’s Golf Championship on Sunday at the Erin Hills course near Milwaukee, shooting a record-tying 16 under par over the four-day tournament.

Koepka joked at a news conference that, on Father’s Day, he partly won for his dad.

“I didn’t get him a card. So, I really hope this works,” Koepka said.

Koepka said he hopes the U.S. Open comes back to Erin Hills, but some other players contended the course in Washington County needs to make some adjustments before it hosts another major tournament.

There were some problems earlier in the tournament, with a spectator dying of natural causes, a blimp crash and a water well contaminated with bacteria. But over the weekend, the fans were able to focus on golf.

Alicia Walker, of Oklahoma, said she and her husband spent hundreds of dollars attending the tournament, but didn’t mind the expense.

“It was quite an impact, but it was something we wanted to do, and we felt like it was an investment.” Walker said, waiting near an area where players gave autographs. “You know, you go somewhere, you’re going to invest, you’re going to see a sport you love, players you love.”

State Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said over the weekend the golf tournament provided Wisconsin better advertising than the state could buy.

According to the United States Golf Association, which ran the championship, more than 200,000 people attended the four days of competition and three days of practice rounds.

Wisconsin players Steve Stricker and Jordan Niebrugge each shot under par during the final round. Stricker finished tied for 16th, despite having to play a qualifying round to even get in the championship.