Brooks Koepka put together an incredible performance during this year’s PGA Championship, leading wire to wire and finishing -8, two shots ahead of Dustin Johnson.
Koepka repeated as the champion and made history on multiple fronts as he put himself in elite company with what he’s accomplished in his young career.
He has won four of his past eight majors (all before turning 30) and has joined Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods in winning four major titles in less than two years.
Koepka set PGA Championship records along the way and entered Sund ay with a 7-stroke lead. It appeared inevitable that he would cruise to the victory, especially when you consider nobody has lost a 7-shot lead in the final round of any major.
Despite his great overall performance and huge lead, Koepka faced some adversity on Sunday as he bogeyed four straight holes while Dustin Johnson hit some birdies to shrink the lead down to one.
Koepka hit a few bad shots, dealt with the wind, and all of a sudden watched his 7-stroke lead quickly evaporate. He knew Dustin was coming for him, so he had to hang on and not unravel.
Everyone watching could feel the intense realization that Koepka could let this slip away after all. However, he was able to overcome his bogeys, avoid the collapse, and persevere for the emotional win.
Afterward, Koepka said, "Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was - how stressful D.J. made that. I know for a fact that was the most excited I've ever been in my life there on 18."
Interestingly, Koepka was dominant for three days and was easily cruising for the win. But the stress, challenge, and test of his final round ended up bringing him the most satisfaction.
Isn’t that also true in life? When we persevere and overcome our own stretch of bogeys, isn't it so much more rewarding and satisfying to pass the test and get through the difficult trial? Isn't it satisfying when we avoid the collapse, stop the unraveling, and prevent our opponent from winning?
Koepka proved to himself and others how resilient he could be under pressure and now knows that even if he stumbles, he’s able to fight through the tough stretch and finish strong. He’s more appreciative and thrilled with the victory because of the challenges he overcame.
As we think about Koepka’s excitement and satisfaction after passing his final round test, we can be encouraged that we can experience something similar in our own lives.
The Bible tells us in James 1:12 (AMP), "Blessed is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
We know the bogeys of life are coming or are currently happening, but let’s remain steadfast and reliant on Jesus...trusting that the challenges are actually adding to the excitement, blessing, and satisfaction when we persevere through them.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to see my difficulties and tests as opportunities to persevere. I pray they lead to great satisfaction and favor as I trust you through them. I can’t overcome them on my own, so I trust You and Your strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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