RYDER CUP star Brooks Koepka has revealed how fiancee Jena Sims helped him calm down and change his lifestyle.
The 31-year-old American will compete in his third Ryder Cup next week as he looks to repeat USA’s victory back in 2016.
And Koepka, whose four major victories came between 2017 and 2019, has opened up about how he has changed the way he lives in recent times.
Speaking to Golf Digest, he said: “To be honest, there have been times when Blake [Koepka’s agent] has been like, ‘Bro, you need to chill.’ Jena [Sims, Koepka’s fiancee] is the same way.”
He then added: “Mentally, I still think I’m 21. But the past three years, there’s the realization I’m not that young person anymore who can go Jet Ski or wakeboard or whatever. Getting out of bed now takes 30 minutes to get going.
“You have to change your lifestyle. I probably packed on 10 to 15 pounds after the knee surgery because I can’t be as active as I was. I can’t go run. I’m never going to be able to run again.
“You’re parking closer to the door than before and all that. I’ve had to switch up the way I eat and train. When I was 25, my metabolism was a hell of a lot faster than it is now. I could eat anything. Now I eat more anti-inflammatory foods so that I can feel better.”
Koepka, who gave up booze way back in college in order to focus on his game, also explained how he has been able to shut out social media and any noise which can distract from his golf.
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“I don’t know where it comes from, but I have no problem turning off my phone or shutting certain people off,” he continued.
“My best friends, we have this massive group chat, and I used to read all the text messages. When I got done playing, there’d be 500, and I’d go through them all. Now I’m like, no, I’m not going to do that.
“Shoot, it’s easier for me when I’m on the road. The only thing I care about is playing good golf. How am I going to do it? Good sleep, rest, eat, practice and work out. That’s it.”
USA captain Steve Stricker will lead his team out at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin on September 24.
The Americans are the favourites to win the 2021 Ryder Cup and reclaim the title after their loss in Paris three years ago.
Europe’s captain Padraig Harrington has made the huge decision to leave former world No1 Justin Rose out of his team.
The 50-year-old Irishman has opted instead to select Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Shane Lowry as his wildcard picks.
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