Following his first PGA Tour round in four years, Brooks Koepka took a subtle jibe at LIV Golf. The five-time major champion said that he had fallen back in love with the game after his first day at the event.
After leaving the LIV Golf last month, Brooks Koepka joined the PGA Tour. He made his first start this week on Thursday, January 29, at the Farmers Insurance Open 2026
During the post-round interview, Koepka admitted to nervousness during his first PGA Tour tee in four years and explained the reason.
“Because I care,” he replied. “I’ve fallen back in love with the game. Honestly, watching my son play a little bit, and wanting to be able to see him … well I guess watch me play well and realize how much this game has given me, how fun it is and how cool it is to just be out here.”
Speaking of the performance, Koepka had a steady round as he picked just one birdie and bogeyed two holes and shot 1-over 73.
Brooks Koepka reflects on his first-round performance at the Farmers Insurance Open 2026
During the post-round interview, Brooks Koepka reflected on his first-day performance at the Farmers Insurance Open 2026.
“I felt like it was pretty good,” he said. “I struck it really well. Like I said, the driver wasn’t — I didn’t hit enough fairways. If I was able to get to the back of the ball I felt like I hit a good quality shot. Didn’t really make any putts besides 18 right there. Yeah, it felt good. It’s been a while since I played competitive golf, so I like the way I’m playing, I just need to kind of play my way into it.”
Brooks Koepka is paired alongside Ludvig Aberg and Max Homa for the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open 2026. The trio will tee off on Friday, January 30, at 10:38 a.m. ET from the tenth tee of the North Course.
Following the opening round. Justin Rose has a one-stroke lead over Justin Lower after firing 10-under 62. Koepka would need a turnaround on Friday to make it inside the cutline.
Here’s a look at the leaderboard for the Farmers Insurance Open 2026 after Round 1:
- 1. Justin Rose: -10
- 2. Justin Lower: -9
- T3. Max Greyserman: -8
- T3. Hideki Matsuyama: -8
- T5. Maverick McNealy: -7
- T5. Stephan Jaeger: -7
- T5. Seamus Power: -7
- T8. Max McGreevy: -6
- T8. Sahith Theegala: -6
- T8. Mark Hubbard: -6
- T8. Jake Knapp: -6
- T8. Marcelo Rozo: -6
- T8. Kris Ventura: -6
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