FSU alumni perform well at the Ryder Cup
The golf program at Florida State is one to brag about. The season is looking promising for the current men’s and women’s teams while former players are thriving at the professional level. Whether someone is a current Seminole or an alumni, one thing never changes: the thrill of being part of the FSU community.
Just last weekend, Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger competed for the United States in the Ryder Cup. The tournament was held in Wisconsin and is the annual competition between professional golfers from the United States and Europe.
Although this was Koepka’s third time playing, Berger made his first appearance to compete with Team USA. Both players had exceptional rounds of golf and were a big part of why the United States won. Europe fell to the Americans by a score of 19-9.
Berger secured the final point for the US in his singles match against Matthew Fitzpatrick. He played a total of three matches throughout the weekend. As a first-timer, he did what he needed to do to help his team become victorious.
Brooks Koepka played in four matches and earned two points for his team. Brooks attended Florida State from 2008-2012. Since he left the university, he has become a name to know in the PGA world. Whether it is from his victories, the amazing shots he makes, or his ongoing rivalry with Bryson DeChambeau, Koepka is leaving his mark in the history books.
FSU golf head coach, Trey Jones, is proud of his former players and enjoys watching every second as they continue to accomplish their goals in the PGA.
“I sent them a text on Thursday night saying there's no way that there's another coach as proud right now as I am in you guys,” Jones said. “Watching them is something I will never forget.”
Along with their performances, the two men competed in a foursome match. This was the first time since 1983 that a pair attended the same university and won their matchup at the Ryder Cup. Koepka and Berger defeated Europeans Matthew Fitzgerald and Lee Westwood at the Whistle Straits Golf Course.
The victory on the course was not the only exciting moment for the former Seminole athletes. This was a time for FSU fans to be proud and join in on the moment. People in the stands did the War Chant as the Seminoles competed throughout the weekend.
“The crowd doing the war chant literally still gives me chills to think about,” Jones said. “Florida State's in a good place right now in college golf and in professional golf and we owe a lot to all the players.”
An announcer for the Ryder Cup, Paul Azinger, is also an alumni from Florida State University. Talent comes in all forms from Tallahassee. Azinger cheered on the ’Noles while also throwing in a jab towards our football program.
“First win of the year for Florida State!” Azinger said on the broadcast.
Whether on the course or in the broadcasting booth, the Seminoles were present at the Ryder Cup. The skills they exemplified made the FSU community proud and inspired the younger athletes to keep working hard. Koepka and Berger may be off of the campus, but their impact on the FSU program will never go away.
“We have so many great coaches here on our staff, and athletes from current to former ones that have done such a great job of branding our athletic department in such a positive way that other people are proud to be Seminoles for the day or the hour or whatever it might be,” Jones said.