By Contributor,Mike Fore,Stuart Franklin
Copyright forbes
2025 has been a challenging year for five-time major winner Brooks Koepka. The former number one player in the world missed the cut in three of four majors this season and finished the LIV season in 31st place, with only two top 10 finishes on the year.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 20: Brooks Koepka of the United States looks across the 15th hole with his caddie on day three of the FedEx Open de France 2025 at Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Breteche on September 20, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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Late in the summer, the DP World Tour gave Koepka a lifeline to try to save what has otherwise been a lost season. Koepka got exemptions into four events to finish up the 2025 season.
The first two starts at the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship went like much of the 2025 season for Koepka, poorly. He missed the cut in both events and seemed utterly lost heading into this week’s French Open at Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Breteche.
Brooks Koepka’s Third Round
To the surprise of many however, possibly including Koepka himself, he finds himself tied for the lead heading into Sunday’s final round after a sparkling 65 in Saturday’s third round. The 6-under round included five consecutive birdies on the back nine.
“I feel like my game has been trending in the right direction,” Koepka said. “It’s just the results haven’t been there. I’m pleased with the work I’ve put in over the last few months so hopefully got a chance to win tomorrow.”
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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 18: Brooks Koepka of the United States tees off on the 11th hole on day one of the FedEx Open de France 2025 at Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Breteche on September 18, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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The putter has let Koepka down for much of the season, but during Saturday’s round that vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard as he was third in putts per green in regulation, a great sign for the future hall-of-famer.
“I’ve felt very uncomfortable over the putts pretty much all year, just a little bit of hand position. We’ve got it sorted now where I feel like I’m striking the putts very well, hitting them on line and feeling confident and that’s honestly half the battle.” Koepka stated after the round.
Koepka will be paired with another big name for the final round. Min Woo Lee joins Koepka at -11 heading into Sunday’s final round. The young Australian star fired a 68 in Saturday’s third round to get him into a tie for first with Koepka and into the final pairing on Sunday.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 20: Min Woo Lee of Australia tees off on the 18th hole on day three of the FedEx Open de France 2025 at Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Breteche on September 20, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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After breaking through for his first win on the PGA Tour this season, Lee will be looking for his fourth win on the DP World Tour Sunday. Staying focused will be a key for Lee in the final round. “You can really get away with the moment,” Lee said. “You’ve just got to keep hitting shots and keep mentally strong. You’ve just got to keep going until the end.”
Mike is a founding member of Break80 Golf and a contributing golf and sports writer for Forbes with PGA Tour and LIV Golf media credentials. He can be found on social media platforms @short_sided_golf
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