While there was little reason to think that Brooks Koepka would be ready to contend at the Farmers Insurance Open, it was difficult not to imagine the prospect of the five-time major champion making a fairytale return at Torrey Pines.
Brooks Koepka can never be discounted. However, there were plenty of factors that made a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open highly unlikely.
What are your takes from Brooks Koepka’s first showing back on the PGA Tour?
Are you more or less encouraged that he can compete in 2026
The 35-year-old missed the cut in three of his four previous appearances at the event. His form on LIV Golf during the 2025 season was nothing to write home about – though he did contend in France on the DP World Tour later in the year.
So some may feel that some of the shine has been taken off Koepka’s return with his performance in California.
A brilliant move from Brooks Koepka upon his return to the PGA Tour
Koepka did manage to make the cut this week. However, he went into the final round 19 shots back of Justin Rose. Koepka admitted to having a nightmare on the greens.
Perhaps some will be underwhelmed by his showing. It will not be as much of a boost to the PGA Tour to have him back if he spends most of the season in the middle of the pack – particularly as he has to earn his way into the signature events.
But, actually, it may prove to be an inspired move from Koepka to make his comeback this week.
Koepka was the first big name to leave LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour. There was, unsurprisingly, huge fanfare ahead of his first appearance back.
Clearly, the last 12 months have been particularly tough for Koepka and his family. And he did appear to be slightly on edge during his first press conference back.
Obviously, he is going to be under the spotlight whenever he plays. He is one of the biggest names in the current game. So he is going to have to deal with plenty of pressure each time he tees it up.
But he goes to the WM Phoenix Open next week having dealt with the first day back at school. Expectations probably have been tempered with his performance at Torrey Pines.
Koepka has plenty of happy memories at the WM Phoenix Open
He can now concentrate almost entirely on his game at TPC Scottsdale. And if there is anywhere on the PGA Tour schedule where Koepka stands a great chance of winning, it is surely the home of the WM Phoenix Open.
Koepka has won the event twice before, while he finished third in 2022.
Had he made his first start back in Arizona, Koepka would have faced having to dust off the cobwebs at a venue that has served him extremely well over the last decade.
It may not have been the dream return that many would have hoped for, but it may well be that one step back is the best way for Koepka to take several forward over the coming weeks.
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