The Masters: Brooks Koepka opens up about health with Day 2 lead, success of amateur Sam Bennett

Brooks Koepka is a four-time major winner but has never been able to put on the Green Jacket. But he is in a good position to do so after two days.

The former All-American golfer at Florida State and world No. 1 golfer is on top of the leaderboard in Augusta midway through Friday with a 12-under-par. He finished the day shooting 5-under.

He joined ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after the round to talk about his performance and how he is playing better after his long-time knee injury has finally healed.

“I just wasn’t able to move the way I wanted to move right,” said Koepka, who had his best finish at The Masters in 2019 when he finished tied for second.. “I was afraid to get on my right side. There’s pain that comes with it. When there is pain, it’s the greatest swing changer of all time. It’s not fun.”

Van Pelt mentioned how Tiger Woods has had similar problems with his lower body over the years and Koepka said he definitely hasn’t had it as bad as the five-time Masters winner.

“I don’t want to say I know exactly what he’s going through because I don’t,” Koepka said. “Mine was not as bad as his but I have somewhat of an idea and it’s an incredibly impressive what he’s been able to do. I remember years the last two years, I was just trying to figure out how to walk the golf course just figuring out lines to walk it instead of where to hit it.”

Brooks Koepka has praise for Texas A&M’s Sam Bennett

Brooks Koepka may be leading the 2023 Masters Tournament so far but he is not the story of the weekend midway through Friday.

That honor belongs to current Texas A&M student and amateur golfer Sam Bennett.

As of 2:10 p.m. ET, Bennett is in second place on the leaderboard behind only Koepka.

“It’s super impressive what he’s been able to do,” Koepka said. “Eight under, that’s incredible. First time here, that usually doesn’t happen. It’s really cool to see him play well, and obviously he’s a hell of a player.”

Bennett won the U.S. Amateur championship in 2022, which earned him his spot in the Masters. He also qualified for the 2022 U.S. Open, where he missed the cut.

For the Aggies, Bennett was the 2022 SEC Player of the Year and a two-time First Team All-American.