Brooks Koepka made the cut in his return to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open, citing family as his primary motivation despite ongoing putting woes. The five-time major winner finished the third round at 2-under par, 19 shots behind leader Justin Rose. Koepka expressed relief at the warm reception from fans and players.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, returned to the PGA Tour after nearly three years away with LIV Golf, competing at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego. His first round on Thursday produced a 1-over 73 on the South Course, where he hit only six of 14 fairways and lost 1.469 strokes on the greens. Koepka rebounded Friday with a 4-under 68 on the North Course to make the cut on the number, sitting 14 shots behind 36-hole leader Justin Rose.
In his pre-tournament press conference, Koepka emphasized family as the key factor in his decision to return, mentioning challenges over the past five or six months. "Just my family," he said. "A lot’s gone on over the past five, six months with my family. That played a big role into coming back." He noted growing as a person and father to his son, Crew, valuing time with his wife and son more than ever. After making the cut, Koepka was seen holding Crew and interacting warmly with his family, who greeted him off the 18th green. "It was great, it was great," he said. "It was nice to have them out there. It felt good."
Saturday's third round brought a 1-over 73 on the South Course, highlighted by a 54-foot birdie putt on the 12th but marred by putting struggles, including a three-putt bogey on the ninth and a double bogey on the 11th after missing a four-footer. Through three rounds, Koepka ranked near the bottom in strokes gained putting, losing 6.19 strokes overall and nearly 5.5 on Saturday alone. At 2-under par, he tied for 61st, 19 strokes back of Rose's 21-under. Koepka attributed issues to his discomfort on Poa annua greens, saying, "I’ve never felt comfortable on Poa." Yet he remained optimistic: "It can’t get any worse, right? Game feels good."
Koepka admitted pre-round nerves about facing media, fans, and peers still upset over his LIV departure, but found the reception overwhelmingly positive. "It’s been phenomenal," he said. "Players seemed excited and welcomed me back." He looks forward to more frequent competition against top players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, while rediscovering joy in the game for his family's sake. Koepka will next play the WM Phoenix Open.
