Brooks Koepka played his first PGA Tour round since June 2022 on Thursday.
The five-time major winner made his comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open, having been reinstated as a PGA Tour member earlier this month.
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Koepka left the PGA Tour nearly four years ago to join LIV Golf, but after several seasons there, he chose to make the switch back.
The reaction at Torrey Pines suggested that many were glad to see him back in familiar surroundings.
And for Koepka there was a clear sense of nerves this week. That is understandable given how long he has been away from this level of golf.
He even admitted that he missed being part of the PGA Tour while he was away with LIV.
Brooks Koepka shares what has surprised him most since returning to PGA Tour
Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
The American was clearly eager to get his opening tee shot at Torrey Pines out of the way on Thursday morning.
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But once that was behind him, he seemed to find his rhythm quickly.
Speaking to reporters after his first round back on tour, Koepka was asked what has reignited his passion for the game.
“It wasn’t that you fall out of it, but I think you can fall deeper in love with it,“ the five-time major winner said.
“I mean, I haven’t played competitively for I think Rickie said 14 weeks, so it’s a lot of time off, a lot of time to think, a lot of time to reflect. If you do that for a while sitting on the couch, you can go pretty deep on what you feel. I’m just excited.”
When asked what specific aspects he was appreciating, Koepka responded: “Everything. Just the opportunity to be out here.
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“I think that’s the main thing. Just being out here and seeing how quickly this has all kind of come together.
“It’s kind of blown my mind and I’m just grateful to be out here and have a chance to compete with these guys.”
Koepka was also asked if he ever doubted whether he would return to PGA Tour competition so soon.
He explained: “No. I understood what – when I contacted them, I knew there’s a possibility I could be out for a while.
“But it’s just like anything, if there’s a penalty to be paid to get out here and get back, I was going to do whatever the Tour needed me to do. It was very simple. Whatever they wanted, I was willing to do.
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“Obviously got a call Thursday night and went up there to see Brian on Friday and he told me everything.
“Yeah, I was very obviously happy with it. I just didn’t know what all it was going to entail. Even flying up there, I had no clue.”
Brooks Koepka’s journey back to the top of the PGA Tour
The American star has already committed to play in both the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the Cognizant Classic next month.
It will be interesting to keep an eye on him in those events, especially after his recent return.
With each start, Koepka should find himself getting more comfortable back in this environment.
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Koepka is undeniably driven to perform exceptionally well at the major championships this year.
And when it comes to performing under pressure, few have shown a better knack for it over the years than the 35-year-old.
If anyone can get back into form on golf’s biggest stages, it is him.
PGA Tour fans are likely going to need a bit of patience with Koepka as well. It is hard to just step right back into familiar territory after such a long time away. But his first round at Torrey Pines was a good sign that he is ready for what lies ahead.
Now, he will be focused on putting in the work needed to get back into form and chase down another PGA Tour win.
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