Golf Majors
Brooks Koepka returns to Players Championship after PGA Tour hiatus
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Brooks Koepka is competing in the Players Championship for the first time since 2022, marking his fourth event back on the PGA Tour after leaving LIV Golf. The five-time major winner has expressed surprise at the warm reception from fans and players. He returns via the PGA Tour's Returning Member Program, having paid a $5 million fine to charity.
The 2026 Masters, the first major championship of the year, will take place from April 9 to 12 at Augusta National. Masters week starts earlier, on April 6, with player arrivals and practice activities. Early betting favorites include world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Rory McIlroy.
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Russell Henley, a five-time PGA Tour winner, expressed his belief that The Players Championship qualifies as a major tournament. Speaking ahead of his title defense at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Henley highlighted the event's strong field, challenging course, and historical significance. His comments align with recent PGA Tour promotions but contrast with views from players like Rory McIlroy.
The PGA Tour has reignited debate over whether the Players Championship should be recognized as golf's fifth major through a new promotional video featuring the tagline 'March is going to be major.' The video highlights dramatic moments from past tournaments at TPC Sawgrass and underscores the event's prestige amid the Tour's push for greater influence. Defending champion Rory McIlroy enters the 2026 edition as a two-time winner.
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Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour with a 1-over 73 in the first round of the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. The five-time major champion expressed nerves beforehand but received a warm welcome from fans. He bogeyed holes 4 and 13 before birdieing the 18th.