Defending US PGA champion Brooks Koepka has set himself the target of winning at least 10 majors.

The 29-year-old has three to his name but after winning back-to-back US Opens last year, he is looking to repeat that feat with his PGA title at Bethpage this week.

“I’ve got a number. I don’t see why you can’t get to double digits,” said the American, who was a joint runner-up to Tiger Woods at last month’s Masters, when asked at a press conference whether he had a target in mind.

“I think you keep doing what you’re supposed to do, you play good, you peak at the right times. I think sometimes the majors are the easiest ones to win.

“Half the people shoot themselves out of it, and mentally I know I can beat most of them, and then from there it’s those guys left, who’s going to play good and who can win.

“I don’t see any reason it can’t get to double digits.”

It was a bold statement but Koepka has shown over the last two years he has the game and the temperament for the big occasion.

In his last 10 major appearances he has finished outside the top 13 just once, with three victories and three other top-five placings.

But having been denied by Woods at Augusta a month ago, he was asked whether he was concerned about a resurgence from his near-neighbour in Jupiter, Florida.

“I mean, what’s the point in fearing anybody? We’re not fighting,” he added.

“He’s not going to knock my teeth in. He’s not going to hurt me. So what’s there to be afraid of?

“I don’t see it as a rivalry. I mean, it’s just golf. It’s not like it’s been over 20, 30 years, it’s just really been the last couple of years.

“It is fun to play against him – the best player to ever play the game, and you guys (the media) wanting to talk about rivalry, I think that’s pretty cool to hear.

“It’s exciting for me. It’ll definitely be interesting. But I’m just looking forward to this week, to playing with him.”