Brooks Koepka was knocked out of the 2024 Scottish Open on 12 July after a disappointing second‑round 75, missing the cut by three strokes and joining Scott Scheffler among the day’s biggest exits.
What happened on the day?
The tournament at Gullane saw Koepka start with a solid 68 on Thursday, positioning him at ‑4 after round one. However, a shaky front nine on Friday left him at +5 for the round, pushing his total to +1 and out of contention. Scheffler, who had led after day one, carded a 74 and also fell short of the cut line.
How did the cut affect the leaderboard?
The cut was set at +2, meaning Koepka’s 75 placed him three strokes behind the threshold. Players like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood surged ahead, with McIlroy posting a 66 to sit at ‑10, while Fleetwood’s 67 moved him into a tie for third. The early exit of two high‑profile names opened the door for several under‑40s to contend for the weekend.
Why does this matter for Koepka’s season?
Koepka entered the Scottish Open hoping to build momentum ahead of the U.S. Open, where he holds two major titles. Missing the cut not only costs him valuable FedExCup points but also raises questions about his recent form after a string of top‑10 finishes earlier this year. The loss could force a reassessment of his preparation routine, especially his short‑game work on links courses.
What’s next for Brooks Koepka?
The next event on Koepka’s schedule is the PGA Championship, slated for 14 August. He will have roughly a month to fine‑tune his swing and regain confidence. Analysts suggest a focus on tightening his iron play, which proved erratic at Gullane, could be the key to returning to contention.
How did other players react?
After his round, Koepka was seen discussing the day with caddie Michael Miller, acknowledging “the wind was tougher than expected.” Meanwhile, Scheffler’s coach, Cameron Smith, noted that the course’s fast greens were “unforgiving for anyone trying to attack.” Their comments underline the challenging conditions that defined Friday’s play.
What does this mean for the tournament?
With two marquee names out, the Scottish Open’s final two days promise a battle among the likes of McIlroy, Fleetwood, and rising star Viktor Hovland. The shift in the field could produce a surprise winner, as the leaderboard remains tightly packed.
The Scottish Open continues at Gullane until 14 July, and all eyes will be on who can seize the opportunity left by Koepka’s and Scheffler’s early departures.