LET Access Series comes to Germany, Jason Day clarifies quitting, US amateur skips Masters, ball rollback delayed. The Back Nine.
Last Friday it was officially announced: Brooks Koepka is on the final entry list for the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, between Jake Knapp and Matt Kuchar. Ranked only 246th in the Official World Golf Ranking, but eligible due to his third PGA Championship win three years ago and the Returning Member Program of the PGA Tour that welcomed the five-time major winner back. Fan interest in the 35-year-old’s first PGA Tour appearance since the 2022 Valspar Championship is expected to be huge.
With this entry, Koepka’s comeback in the establishment is official. The Florida native travels to Torrey Pines today – and is primarily nervous for the week of truth. Or rather: quite eager for the reception. \”I know I have a lot of work to do to repair relationships with my colleagues. I know that by switching to LIV, I upset many people,\” Koepka recently admitted in a phone interview. \”There are definitely players who are happy, and definitely players who will be angry.\”
\”There will probably be a mix of ‘We’re glad 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 that the Tour gave me this opportunity.\”
Brooks Koepka
For example, Wyndham Clark, who is also in the field, has criticized Koepka’s PGA Tour return. \”If someone is upset, I have to rebuild those relationships,\” said the returnee. He plans to seek contact and hold private conversations away from curious media ears and microphones. \”There is much more at stake in Torrey Pines than just playing golf. I am excited and will be glad once this first week is behind me – dealing with players, media, and some of the tougher conversations. But I look forward to it and really want to have those talks.\”
\”Brooks just has to be who he was when he left. No one should expect him to change to please others. I don’t think Brooks needs to play pro-ams on Monday or walk the driving range shaking everyone’s hand and saying ‘I’m sorry.’ He’s just coming back and playing really good golf. That’s good for everyone.\”
Jordan Spieth
No one can begrudge Koepka just because his return might take a spot from other players. The PGA Tour is expanding the fields accordingly. At the Farmers, there will be 145 players including Koepka; hence, the first two alternates have been admitted (now 147 players) to form an additional threesome group. These are Matt Kuchar and Justin Lower, who could rather thank Koepka.
Second Women’s Tournament in Germany
Doubling up: Germany will host a second women’s professional golf tournament. Besides the Amundi German Masters in mid-May at Green Eagle Golf Courses near Hamburg, the German Ladies Challenge powered by VcG will take place from June 19 to 21 as part of the LET