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Later this week, however, the duo will compete as the two most prominent golfers when the US PGA Championship breaks out at Bethpage Black on Long Island.
Koepka, 29, is a single-time champion with three wins out of eight, including last year's US PGA, when he fought Woods for a two-shot win at Bellerive.
The fact that he tied for second place at Augusta last month simply reinforces his status as a man at the top of his game. For Koepka, a Tiger in charge does not fear anything.
"I'm not afraid of anyone," he told CNN Sport. "There is no reason to be afraid of anyone, we just know that it's likely to be there on Sunday."
Koepka's recent race is a phenomenal feat that separates him from his equally illustrious peers. Jordan Spieth's trio of major titles were played in 11 tournaments, while Rory McIlroy had 15 major tournaments.
Now, however, there is an additional complication to consider for the Z generation of the game; during his absence, many admitted that they would have loved to attend – and fought against – Woods at his peak. To the Masters, they were treated to an explosion of the past.
& # 39; Good for the game & # 39;
But as the reigning American PGA champion, Koepka is happy to be the hunted rather than the hunter.
"I love it," said Koepka, the world's number three, outspoken whose rounded biceps are the hallmark of the modern golfer.
"I think it's an honor to have that extra status of champion title, that's what you want to do all year and that's something I appreciate." I appreciate the extra pressure I appreciate everything that comes with it and I'm trying to focus on it and make the most of these weeks. "
Koepka co-directed the Masters in the first two rounds and was right to argue at the back nine on Sunday, until his charge faded out as one. many players find the water of Rae's Creek on the 12th.
At the end of it all, one shot was the difference. Woods won his first major for 11 years and was assaulted by an adoring crowd of Augusta, and hailed by his colleagues and rivals as he approached the clubhouse.
High-five, backslaps, endless cries – respect and shared joy was evident. Then Koepka tapped him on the shoulder for a bear hug among recent friends.
"I saw him while he was not able to play golf and that he was not sure he could go back to golf," he remembers. their embrace.
"It's interesting, it's a fun trip to watch. Everyone is asking for it again. He's back in good health and it's fun to build a friendship over the past two years.
"It's just good for the game. I think it's good for fans, sponsors, events. It's good for the tour, it's good for the players It's good for everyone he wins. As players, we all knew he was back a long time ago. "
Winning mentality
Koepka spoke after taking part in a decisive challenge with the American beer brand Michelob ULTRA. Landing an approach on a floating green on the Hudson River, he won a free drink for all New Yorkers. "I'm a popular man right now," he laughs.
Pressure situations such as these are where he thrives.
"Every time I play, I try to win," adds Koepka, who has finished in the top 20 in all his main appearances with the exception of three since 2015.
"I've done well over the last few years to understand what I'm doing very well.
"Great players will show up in the major leagues and that's where you want to give yourself a chance to win – with nine holes to go in. It's a lot of patience and hanging out, because you do not can not win in the first three days. "
Hot series
This year's US PGA, however, has a fascinating secondary plot.
From now on, the tournament will take place three months earlier than before – in part to help golf at the Olympics, while allowing the southern US states to host the tournament at cooler temperatures – which means that the main calendar will be completed at the fourth. week of July.
"It's interesting now because, literally, if you're hot, you can get rid of the four majors in four months," says Koepka.
"If you want to play well, now is the time to do it because they are so close to each other, players like that – it has been very well received.
"For Tiger, having won, I'm sure he likes the fact that it's happening now because he's playing well."
The revised format could help Woods 'goal of continuing Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major wins, but for Koepka that does not change anything.
"I do not care what others do," he says. "I'm not here to see how the other guys are hitting it, and when you start worrying about everybody, you start to get a little distracted.
"I'm here for one reason, I'm here to play, I'm here to win."
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