Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

$95M PGA Tour Star Makes Major Revelation About Pete Cowen Amid U.S. Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The 125th U.S. Open teed off at Oakmont Country Club, and as expected, the brutal course setup challenged even the best in the world. While only 10 players managed to shoot under par, J.J. Spaun surged ahead with a bogey-free 66, fueled by a record-setting 31 on his first nine. Brooks Koepka was right in the mix too, carding a solid 2-under 68 to tie for third, just two strokes behind Spaun.

Koepka had a standout moment with a 42-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fourth, then bounced back from even par with birdies on 17 and 18.

But the story behind the scenes was just as intriguing. Koepka opened up about a tough session with coach Pete Cowen that lasted 45 minutes in a bunker.

“I just sat there, and he scolded me pretty well. But yeah, it's just a matter of executing what the field's first perception of where I've been,” Koepka admitted.

Justin Thomas even came over to check on him during that intense bunker session.

Adding more to the context Koepka said, "Yeah, Pete, I'll keep that between us. I think it's, I wasn't happy with it. But it was something I think you need to hear, or I needed to hear, at the right time. And it's not the first time he's done it."

"I'll put it this way: JT thought he had to come check on me in the bunker."

Brooks Koepka opened up about a heated conversation he had with his coach Pete Cowen, and how it helped him. pic.twitter.com/PgdZC4XNKn
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 13, 2025

That honesty and grit may just spark a turnaround. After missing the cut at the Masters and PGA Championship, Koepka looks determined to get back in the major conversation.

As for his career earnings, Koepka isn’t just stacking trophies. According to the latest figures, he’s raked in $29.8 million from PGA events and a whopping $44.1 million from LIV Golf. His total career earnings stand at a jaw-dropping $95 million per Spotrac, with $21 million coming from majors alone. Now, with a strong start at Oakmont, Koepka looks ready to add to that total.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: