Brooks Koepka’s much-anticipated comeback to the PGA Tour following his departure from LIV Golf earlier this year has not lived up to expectations. After rejoining the PGA Tour in 2026, the five-time major winner has struggled to regain his competitive edge due mainly to problems with his putting, impeding his ability to contend in events.
Koepka left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in June 2022 but decided to return after just over three years. His return was notable, especially since he was immediately allowed back despite disciplinary penalties including a $5 million fine and exclusion from Signature Events—punishments not accepted by fellow LIV players Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.
Underwhelming Performance Highlights Early Season Difficulties
So far in 2026, Koepka’s results have been disappointing. Across two PGA Tour starts, he recorded a tied-56th-place finish and missed the cut, while opening the Cognizant Classic with a three-over-par 74 at PGA National further highlighted his struggles. His overall form shows pronounced difficulties, especially with confidence and scoring, as the margin between making cuts and competing for top spots narrows.
Koepka’s well-maintained swing mechanics have done little to translate into lower scores. The primary factor behind his struggles is poor putting, which has undermined his rounds despite solid ball-striking.
Putting Challenges Cost Koepka Valuable Strokes
Koepka’s putting statistics at the start of the 2026 season reveal a significant weakness. He lost more than two strokes to the field in putting during his opening round at PGA National and ranks 171st in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour this year. Contrastingly, his approach shots have been among the best, placing him inside the top 25 in strokes gained approach.
Even when generating positive strokes off the tee and with iron play, Koepka’s inability to putt effectively has caused scores well over par. Without improvement on the greens, his prospects for winning or even securing high finishes remain bleak.
Equipment Mismatch Contributes to Decline in Putting
A key issue worsening Koepka’s putting troubles has been his switch from a blade-style putter—which fits his natural stroke—to a mallet putter. After his first start of the season at Torrey Pines, Koepka changed to a mallet head for the WM Phoenix Open, but this choice did not suit his setup or stroke mechanics.
Normally, Koepka aligns the ball slightly toward the toe of a longer blade putter and employs a backswing that moves the putter slightly inside the line before bringing it back on path in the downswing. The mallet, however, presents a considerably different head size and shape, disrupting his established stroke rhythm.
Golf analysts Jay Townsend and Rich Beem discussed Koepka’s putting struggles during coverage of the Cognizant Classic. Townsend explained,
“His normal putter, okay, has a longer blade to it,”
adding,
“He always lines up with the ball somewhat off the toe, okay? That’s his idea of not pulling putts by setting up there.”
Beem noted,
“No he doesn’t. It’s significantly smaller, length-wise to the head. So I think you’re right,”
and further said,
“I think it throws him off a little bit because it’s not going to be that far out of the toe. I mean, it’s just a colossally different look, not just a little bit. It’s colossal.”
Townsend emphasized that changing putters based on one poor week, such as Koepka’s at Torrey Pines, makes little sense:
“You don’t change putters because of one week at Torrey. Koepka’s been using the same putter forever.”
Putting Issues Define Koepka’s Current PGA Tour Standing
Koepka’s putting decline has been abrupt in terms of results but not unexpected, given the putter switch and likely associated loss of confidence. Historically, he was among the most consistent putters during his peak years, demonstrating a stroke perfectly suited to the blade putter.
This ongoing problem is the main factor preventing Koepka from breaking into the top 50 on the PGA Tour this season. The challenges he faces on the greens overshadow his otherwise strong game off the tee and with approach shots.
Prospects for Recovery and Return to Form
The path for Koepka to regain his PGA Tour competitiveness appears clear: returning to his blade putter, rebuilding confidence, and refining his stroke. While it will require commitment and time, these adjustments could reignite his ability to compete effectively.
As a Floridian with a proven track record of excellence and a competitive spirit, Koepka’s future success depends largely on resolving his putting woes. His struggles underscore the significance of equipment compatibility and the psychological aspects of professional golf, especially after his time away from the PGA Tour.
With the season underway, Koepka’s next tournaments will be critical to observe whether he can overcome this hurdle and start climbing back up leaderboards, reaffirming his status among the elite.
