LET hosts Access Series in Germany, Jason Day clarifies, US amateur skips Masters, 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, placed between Jake Knapp and Matt Kuchar. Now ranked only 246th in the world, he is eligible to start thanks to his third PGA Championship win three years ago and the Returning Member Program of the PGA Tour, which has welcomed the five-time major winner back and even featured him in advertising. Fans’ interest in Koepka’s first PGA Tour appearance since the 2022 Valspar Championship is understandably high.
With this entry, Koepka’s comeback in the establishment is official. The Florida giant travels today to Torrey Pines, feeling mostly nervous and eager about the week of truth and the reception. \”I know I have a lot of work to do rebuilding relationships with my peers. I realize my LIV switch upset many,\” Koepka admitted recently in a phone interview. \”Some players will be happy, others definitely angry.\”
\”There’s probably 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, and I’m very grateful the Tour gave me this chance.\”
Brooks Koepka
Players like Wyndham Clark, also in the field, express varied reactions. \”If someone is upset, I need to rebuild those relationships,\” said the returnee. He plans to seek private conversations away from the media. \”More than just golf is at stake in Torrey Pines. I’m excited and will be relieved once this first week is behind me — dealing with players, media, and some difficult talks. But I look forward to having them.\”
\”Brooks just has to be who he was when he left. Nobody should expect him to change to please others. I don’t think Brooks has to play Pro-Ams on Monday or shake every hand apologizing. He just comes back and plays great golf. That’s good for everyone.\”
Jordan Spieth
At least no one can accuse Koepka of stealing spots from others due to his return, as the PGA Tour has expanded fields accordingly. For the Farmers, there are now 145 players including Koepka, so the first two alternates, Matt Kuchar and Justin Lower, were added to form an extra trio group — they might even owe Koepka thanks.
Second Women’s Tournament in Germany
Germany doubles its women’s pro golf events. Alongside the May Amundi German Masters at Green Eagle Golf Courses near Hamburg, the Ladies European Tour (LET) Access Series will hold the German Ladies Challenge powered by VcG from June 19 to 21. The venue is yet to be confirmed, marking the second European women’s