LET visits Germany with Access Series, Jason Day clarifies, US amateur skips Masters, golf ball rollback delayed. The Back Nine.
Last Friday it became official: Brooks Koepka is on the final entry list for the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, positioned between Jake Knapp and Matt Kuchar. Though ranked only 246th in the world, Koepka is eligible due to his third PGA Championship win three years ago and the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program, which welcomed the five-time major winner back with open arms and has even featured him in promotions. Fans’ interest in the 35-year-old’s first PGA Tour appearance since the 2022 Valspar Championship is expected to be considerable.
With this entry, Koepka’s comeback to the establishment is official. The Florida native arrives at Torrey Pines today and is notably nervous for the week of truth — or excited for the reception. “I know I have a lot of work to do to rebuild relationships with my colleagues. I realize my LIV switch upset many,” Koepka admitted in a recent phone interview. “There are definitely players glad to see me back, and definitely players who will be angry.”
“There will probably be a mix of ‘We’re happy you’re back, welcome home’ and ‘You shouldn’t be here.’ I understand everyone’s perspective. Maybe I should have taken a year off, but I am very grateful the Tour gave me this chance.”
Brooks Koepka
Wyndham Clark, also in the field, commented, “If someone is upset, I have to rebuild those relationships.” Koepka plans to proactively seek private conversations without media interruptions. “There is much more at stake in Torrey Pines than just playing golf. I’m excited and will be relieved once this first week is behind me — dealing with players, media, and some tough talks. But I look forward to having those conversations.”
“Brooks just has to be the same player he was before. Nobody should expect him to change to please others. I don’t think he needs to play Monday Pro-Ams or go around the driving range shaking hands saying ‘I’m sorry.’ He’s coming back to play really good golf. That’s good for everyone.”
Jordan Spieth
No one can begrudge Koepka for potentially