First-time major winner Brooks Koepka pulled away from the field with a 5-under 67 on Sunday of the US Open at Erin Hills. Koepka’s 67 was the second lowest score of the day as Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, who finished tied for 2nd, shot a 66. The 27-year-old American won comfortably as he finished four strokes ahead of Matsuyama and Brian Harman.

After three-putting the 10th hole, his only bogey of the day, Koepka maintained his position in a close pack still in contention as the last few groups competed on the back nine. Koepka approached the green of the par 3 13th tied for the lead, tapped in for par and then birdied the 14th, 15th, and 16th holes to break away from the field.

Koepka credits his two opening birdies for his Sunday success. “I needed something to go in and see that to build momentum off it, and just carried that over,” the champion commented.

Justin Thomas, who matched the major championship scoring record with a 9-under 63 on Saturday, entered the final round one shot off the lead and a huge fan favorite. Thomas, however, shot a 75 Sunday to finish tied for ninth.

Rickie Fowler, a close friend of Thomas’s and another fan favorite, finished tied for 5th at 10 under, shooting an even 72 on Sunday. Fowler, in search of his first major championship, was unable to successfully make a move and chase the lead as he was 1-over on the back nine.

Koepka’s 72-hole score of 16 under par ties Rory McIlroy for the lowest score to par in US Open history. Now, after only earning his Tour Card three years ago, Koepka is $2.16 million richer and a US Open champion.

With his win, Koepka is the 7th straight first-time major winner.

Feature Image via Flickr/David Hilgart.