Koepka seeking to emulate Michael Jordan in hostile Ryder Cup atmosphere

Michael Jordan's words have inspired Brooks Koepka as the three-time major winner looks to help the USA to Ryder Cup glory in France.

Published : Sep 27, 2018 20:43 IST

Brooks Koepka warms up for the 2018 Ryder Cup
Brooks Koepka warms up for the 2018 Ryder Cup
lightbox-info

Brooks Koepka warms up for the 2018 Ryder Cup

Brooks Koepka will look to heed Michael Jordan's advice and be inspired by a hostile crowd as the United States seek a long-awaited Ryder Cup away win.

Basketball icon Jordan spent time with Team USA on Wednesday evening and provided words of wisdom to his compatriots.

Koepka - the winner of three majors in the last two seasons - was particularly inspired by comments regarding success on the road and says that he cannot wait to sample a boisterous atmosphere at Le Golf National on Friday.

READ: Tony Finau in reflective mood ahead of 'dream' Ryder Cup debut

"He talked about how he didn't hear the crowd [in tough games on the road]. But, I also took that as, he couldn't wait to shut them up...I thought that was pretty cool," said Koepka of Jordan.

"I think it [the atmosphere] is obviously going to be a little different. I don't know what quite to expect. Obviously, you're going to hear a lot of Europe chants and cheering if you hit bad shots, whatever. I enjoy that. I think that's so much fun."

"It kind of reminds me of Phoenix a little bit. That's probably one of my favourite tournaments on tour to play. And, at any time, the Ryder Cup truly feels like a sporting event...it's loud and people aren't afraid to boo you."

ALSO READ:  Ryder Cup stars laud 'most incredible' first tee at Le Golf National

"I kind of got a taste of that at Hazeltine [in the 2016 Ryder Cup]. It was the coolest experience, the coolest thing I've ever done as far as playing golf in an atmosphere like that. So, hopefully this week can top it with a win."

Having won each of the last two U.S. Opens as well as the 2018 US PGA Championship, Koepka certainly knows how to enjoy success on demanding courses.

He likened the set-up at Le Golf National to that of a major championship, adding: "There's a disaster around every corner. Every shot, you've got to be very focused."

ALSO READ: Ryder Cup captains honour Jarrod Lyle

As such, Koepka will not be utilising the driver too often over the coming days. "On this golf course, I don't think you can. There's a few holes you can hit driver on. There's not many holes where it sets up," he said.

"I feel like the importance on fairways here is definitely way more important than length. You know you need to hit the fairways. It's definitely a first-shot golf course."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment