Brooks Koepka Finds Form at RBC Canadian Open Amid Off-Course Buzz

After two rounds of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, Brooks Koepka was tied for seventh at eight under, two strokes behind co-leaders Ben James, Sam Burns, Jackson Suber, Haotong Li, Jesper Svensson and Keith Mitchell. Ranked 136th in Strokes Gained: Putting before the event, Koepka posted one of the field’s strongest putting performances.

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Koepka’s 2024 season has featured strong ball-striking but persistent putting struggles, which he says have limited his title chances. The recent improvement arrives a week before the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the site of his 2018 major win, suggesting a potential shift in his major-championship prospects.

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Key individuals include Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion seeking to resolve his putting issues; his wife Jena Sims, a model featured in PEOPLE’s “WAG World” series; and NFL tight end Travis Kelce, who interacted with Sims during the WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am and later at the Masters. The tournament’s co-leaders after two rounds were Ben James, Sam Burns, Jackson Suber, Haotong Li, Jesper Svensson and Keith Mitchell.

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Koepka’s score after two rounds was eight under, tied for seventh, two strokes off the lead. He entered the event ranked 136th in Strokes Gained: Putting and posted one of the top putting performances. The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills is scheduled for June 13-16, 2024.

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Koepka said his overall play has been “great” but that putting remains the only shortfall, adding that a “small technical adjustment” and a “simpler mindset” have helped “heat up” his putter and “free the mind.” Sims described her interaction with Kelce as a lighthearted “hall pass” joke, emphasized that she would not change her personal setup for any invitation, and noted an NDA prevents her from confirming attendance at Kelce’s upcoming wedding.

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The specific nature of the technical adjustment to Koepka’s putter and the exact putting metrics that placed him among the field’s leaders were not disclosed in the sources.

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• “I mean, he’s my hall pass and Brooks knows that,” — Jena Sims, wife of Brooks Koepka

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• “It’s just the putting that’s held me back.” — Brooks Koepka

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• “I just need that putter to heat up,” — Brooks Koepka

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• “Brooks was like, ‘You are ridiculous,'” — Jena Sims, recounting Koepka’s reaction

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Koepka will compete in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where his recent form could affect his major-championship chances. Sims is expected to continue media appearances tied to the tournament. Kelce’s wedding to Taylor Swift is slated for later in the year, though Sims has not confirmed an invitation.

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