GOLF

Golf’s Number One Ranking on the Line in HSBC Champions Tournament

2 months ago - Sportingbase

Golf’s newly crowned world No.1 Brooks Koepka knows that he has become the hunted. Coming into this weekend’s HSBC Champions Tournament at Sheshan Golf Club in China. The big-hitting American reflected a measured philosophy towards his new status atop the golfing world.

“It feels good. I’ve worked hard to get here but now I’m the one watching my back and I’m prepared to work hard to stay here”, Koepka stated.

Dustin Johnson had been the No.1 one for some time before being surpassed by fellow countryman and a good friend.

Speculation has been rife surrounding the two’s falling out since the USA’s defeat in the Ryder Cup where they were unsuccessfully paired together for much of the tournament.

Johnson was quick to put water on that fire.

“He’s one of my best friends, one of the guys I spend most time with on tour. What happened in the Ryder Cup will never change that”.

He also expressed determination to win back the No.1 ranking.

“Well the way I see it, if I win this weekend I get it back so that’s all that’s on my mind.

Current HSBC Champions Leaderboard-

After 1 round Brooks Koepka currently sits tied 27^thon Even par whilst Dustin Johnson is battling 2 over par.

Leaderboard

Break

Pos	Player		R1	Thru	Total
1		P. Reed	-8	F [F]	-8
T2		X. Schauffele	-6	F [F]	-6
T2		T. Finau	-6	F [F]	-6
4		M. Fitzpatrick	-5	F [F]	-5
T5		B. Horschel	-4	F [F]	-4
T5		T. Fleetwood	-4	F [F]	-4
T5		R. Cabrera-Bello	-4	F [F]	-4
T5		K. Aphibarnrat	-4	F [F]	-4
T5		C.T. Pan	-4	F [F]	-4