Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has been marked by early challenges, as he posted a 3-over score in the opening round at PGA National on February 27, 2026. Despite his slow start, the nine-time Tour winner and five-time major champion remains a figure of hope and interest as he aims to regain his top form after recently rejoining the Tour.
Strong Support Amid a Rocky Start at PGA National
At the Cognizant Classic, Koepka found the first round difficult, missing several birdie opportunities ranging from nine to eleven feet in his initial holes. His first birdie came only on the sixth hole with a 36-foot putt. Later in the round, he struggled with a three-putt on the 13th hole, bogeyed the 16th after a near miss, and made a double bogey on the infamous 17th hole by hitting a chip shot thin into the water. Despite these setbacks, his former college teammate and Team USA partner Daniel Berger expressed strong confidence in Koepka’s ability to turn things around quickly.
“He shot 3-over, so I don’t think he played his best,”
Berger said following the opening round at PGA National.
“Obviously had a difficult time on 17, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that he can turn it around in an instant. I expect him to come out tomorrow and play well.”
He also added,
“I like playing with Brooks. I’m happy he’s back. I think it’s good for the Tour.”
– Daniel Berger, Golfer
The depth of their bond, forged through college and international competition, underlies Berger’s optimism. They first teamed up for Team USA at the 2017 Presidents Cup, where their partnership helped secure an early lead. They reunited at the 2021 Ryder Cup, achieving a win and a loss in their two foursomes matches against top players Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia, showing their competitive synergy.
“I kind of know what he’s thinking, what he’s doing before he even does it,”
Koepka once described their partnership.
“I love the pairing. I’m comfortable with him.”
– Brooks Koepka, Golfer
Growing Audience Interest and Competitive Urgency
Koepka’s comeback issue is more than just about his scores; it is stirring significant viewership excitement. His first event back at the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open drew a 102% increase in TV ratings, with weekend audiences averaging 2.36 million viewers. This surge led ESPN to simulcast PGA Tour Live on traditional television channels—a tactic not employed since 2006—highlighting the commercial impact Koepka’s presence commands on the Tour.
Koepka’s return coincides with a broader trend of high-profile LIV Golf alumni rejoining the PGA Tour through the Returning Member pathway. While the experience has been energizing for fans and media alike, Koepka’s on-course struggles illustrate that reclaiming peak performance is a different test entirely.
In his debut at the Farmers Insurance Open, Koepka rebounded from a difficult opening day 73 with a better second-round 68. However, in sharp contrast, Berger energized his tournament with four birdies on the back nine, finishing that stretch at 32 strokes. Meanwhile, Koepka’s back nine score of four-over par contributed to his position at tied-98th place. To make the cut and progress in the tournament, Koepka will need a significant turnaround in upcoming rounds, something his history and Berger’s faith suggest is possible.
Koepka Aims for High Standards amid the Rising Competition
Before the recent tournaments, Koepka openly identified the standards he is striving to meet on the PGA Tour, calling attention to younger players who have surged ahead. He specifically acknowledged Chris Gotterup, who has secured two victories already in 2026, as a benchmark on the circuit.
“Chris is pretty good, considering he’s won twice,”
Koepka commented. He added, “I haven’t played with him, but I’ve watched him hit balls and seen his results. That’s a name that probably sticks out right now.”
This recognition carries considerable weight given Koepka’s past dominance, including winning two major championships—the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open—in 2018 alone. By highlighting Gotterup, Koepka signals the level of performance required to succeed on an increasingly competitive tour, setting a clear target for his own form as he seeks to regain his place among the top players.
What Koepka’s Presence Means for the Tour’s Future
Brooks Koepka’s struggle highlights both the challenges and promise surrounding his return to the PGA Tour. His competitive history and major championship pedigree suggest that his inconsistent start could give way to a strong resurgence. Meanwhile, the increased media attention and growing crowd sizes underscore his continued value as a draw for the sport.
As other former LIV Golf players rejoin the PGA Tour, Koepka’s path will be closely watched as a measure of how successfully top-tier talent can reintegrate and sustain elite performance. With Daniel Berger’s public support and Koepka’s own determination, the golf world eagerly awaits whether he can recapture the game that earned him five majors and restore his status as a leading figure on the Tour.
The coming weeks on the PGA Tour will be critical for Koepka as he seeks to demonstrate the kind of comeback that fans and fellow players like Berger confidently expect.
