LET Access Series debuts in Germany, Jason Day clarifies quit post, US amateur skips Masters, and ball rollback delayed. The Back Nine.
Last Friday it was officially confirmed: Brooks Koepka is on the final entry list for the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, positioned between Jake Knapp and Matt Kuchar. Although ranked 246th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Koepka is eligible to play thanks to his third PGA Championship victory three years ago and the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program, which has welcomed the five-time major winner back graciously and even featured him in promotional materials. Interest from fans for the 35-year-old’s first PGA Tour appearance since the 2022 Valspar Championship is considerable.
With this inclusion, Koepka’s comeback into the establishment is official. The Floridian giant travels today to Torrey Pines, feeling especially nervous ahead of this pivotal week—or rather, quite curious about the reception. \”I understand I have a lot of work to do rebuilding relationships with my peers. I know my switch to LIV back then upset many,\” Koepka recently admitted in a phone interview. \”There are definitely players who are happy, and certainly others who are angry.\”
\”There’s probably a mix of ‘We’re glad you’re back, welcome home’ and ‘You shouldn’t be here.’ I understand everyone’s perspective. I might have needed to take a year off, and I’m very grateful the Tour gave me this chance.\”
Brooks Koepka
Wyndham Clark, who is also in the field, criticized Koepka’s PGA Tour return. \”If someone is upset, I have to rebuild those relationships,\” the returning player said. He plans to seek contact deliberately and have private conversations without prying media ears or microphones. \”There’s more going on at Torrey Pines than just playing golf. I’m excited and will be relieved once this first week is behind me—including dealing with players, the media, and some tougher discussions. But I’m looking forward to those talks and want to have them genuinely.\”
\”Brooks just has to be the same as 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 shake hands with everyone on the range apologizing. He’s just coming back and playing really good golf. That’s good for everyone.\”
Jordan Spieth
At least no one can accuse Koepka of stealing spots from other players solely because of his return. The PGA Tour has expanded the fields accordingly. At the Farmers, with Koepka’s addition, there are 145 players, so the first two alternates were also admitted (now 147 players), forming an additional threesome group. These are Matt Kuchar and Justin Lower, who might ironically owe thanks to Koepka.
Second Ladies Pro Event in Germany
Doubling up: Germany receives a second ladies professional golf tournament. Alongside the Amundi German Masters in mid-May at Green Eagle Golf Courses near Hamburg, the German Ladies Challenge powered by