Brooks Koepka Ties for Lead at French Open After Strong Round

PARIS (AP) — Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka fired five straight birdies on the back nine Saturday, finishing with a 6-under 65 to tie for the lead at the French Open. This performance marked his best showing in over a year.

Koepka now shares the lead with Min Woo Lee, who shot a 68, both at 11-under 202. They hold a one-shot advantage over a trio of players, including Michael Kim, who is also participating in this tournament during the PGA Tour’s off week.

This event marks Koepka’s third consecutive week on the European Tour after he missed the cut at both the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. His difficult year continued with cuts in three of the four majors this season, leaving fans eager for his return to form.

“I feel like my game has been trending in the right direction,” Koepka said. “The results haven’t been there. I feel a lot closer. I’m pleased with the work I’ve put in over the last few months, and nothing has shown, so hopefully, I got a chance to win tomorrow.”

Koepka attributed his strong round at Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche to impressive putting, recording eight birdies before finishing with a bogey on the 18th hole after failing to convert a 6-foot putt.

Lee, the American golfer who previously won the Houston Open earlier this year, seeks to improve his standings after an early exit from the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Joining Kim in the pursuit of the lead are Guido Migliozzi of Italy, who shot a 66, and Marcus Armitage of England, who recorded a 71. Kim finished with a solid 66.