Brooks Koepka Returns to PGA Tour With 1-Over 73 as Justin Rose Takes Early Lead at Farmers Insurance Open
Brooks Koepka made a long-awaited return to the PGA Tour on Thursday at the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego, shooting a 1-over-par 73 in his first competitive round on tour since leaving LIV Golf.
After being reinstated by the PGA Tour earlier this month under the new Returning Member Program, Koepka took on the challenging Torrey Pines South Course in Round 1. The five-time major champion carded two bogeys during his opening 18 holes and showed signs of rust, a natural result of nearly four years away from regular PGA Tour competition. However, he ended his day on a positive note by sinking a birdie on the par-5 18th, providing a confidence boost as the tournament progresses.
Koepka’s round placed him well back of the leaders, a reflection of the tough playing conditions on the South Course, which played significantly harder than the North Course on Thursday. Still, his performance was solid considering the long layoff and the anticipation surrounding his return.
Warm Welcome and Fan Support
Despite the pressure of his return, Koepka was greeted with overwhelming support from fans on the grounds at Torrey Pines. The galleries gave him a warm reception throughout the day, with many cheering loudly as he made his way through the course a moment Koepka appreciated deeply.
“It felt great to be back,” Koepka said, acknowledging the friendly reception and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete again among his peers.
First-Round Leader: Justin Rose’s Impressive Start
While all eyes were on Koepka’s comeback, Justin Rose stole the spotlight atop the leaderboard with a sensational round. The 45-year-old Englishman recorded a bogey-free, 10-under-par 62 on the Torrey Pines North Course to seize the solo first-round lead.
Rose’s performance featured remarkable consistency, including five birdies on each nine. His early pace set him apart from the rest of the field, putting him well in contention as the tournament heads toward Round 2.
Looking Ahead
Koepka’s next challenge comes on Friday, when he’ll switch to the North Course, widely regarded as the easier of Torrey Pines’ two layouts. With fresher ground and a supportive gallery behind him, Koepka will aim to build momentum and climb up the leaderboard.
As the Farmers Insurance Open unfolds, golf fans will be watching to see whether Koepka can shake off the rust and contend in a full PGA Tour field for the first time since 2022.
Source: The Score
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