Abu Dhabi ….Brooks Koepka has returned from a four-month injury lay-off clearly signalling he’s not about to relinquish his World No. 1 crown in posting a sizzling 66 on day one of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Koepka ended his first round of a first appearance in the UAE capital two shots behind the leading pair of Italian Renato Paratore and South African Shaun Norris.
Koepka shareS third with newly-married Aussie Jason Scrivener in the Euro 6.25m Rolex Series event in the UAE capital.
The American has not competed since withdrawing from a PGA Tour event in South Korea last October and in a first round of a new year, the 29-year old has put himself very much in frame for what could be a 15th pro career victory and an eight outside his native America.
He said: I wouldn’t show up here in Abu Dhabi if I didn’t want to win.
“I enjoy travelling the world. I like seeing different cultures, experiencing different cities and touring the world.
“Most of the time we playing we can’t see too much of it because we are working, but if I get some time off, I like travelling the world. I guess it’s a hobby of mine.”
Koepka has not competed since withdrawing after just two rounds of last October’s PGA Tour stop in South Korea and had to rule himself out of December’s USA Presidents Cup side.
“It’s good to be back. I’ve really missed the competition and I’m pleased to have put a solid round together,” he said.
“I missed a few putts early if I really want to pick it apart but I’m happy with how I drove the ball. I controlled the ball flight and my distances really well and that’s what you have to do out here.
