Brooks Koepka's U.S. Open win proved that golfers are athletes, too

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. -- Bob Koepka grew up playing baseball and basketball, and he was a good enough pitcher to earn his spot in a college rotation at West Virginia Wesleyan. He knew what an athlete looked like back then, and he sure knew what separated a real sport from an activity or hobby masquerading as one.

"And I used to tease the guys in high school when they got a letterman's jacket for golf," Koepka said, "because I didn't think it was a sport."

This U.S. Open was many things. It was not, however, boring. From Phil Mickelson's wild ride to Brooks Koepka's repeat, there were plenty of highs and lows.

The U.S. Open ended with Brooks Koepka holding the trophy again. How did we get here? A…