Brooks Koepka entered the 2026 PGA Championship in a much different place personally and professionally than he was a year ago. The five-time major champion opened the tournament at Aronimink Golf Club with a 1-under 69 and later reflected on the family struggles he and his wife, Jena Sims, endured during the 2025 season.
Koepka, who returned to the PGA Tour this season after competing with LIV Golf, said events away from golf had a major impact on his play last year. He and Sims revealed in October that they suffered a miscarriage after learning at 16 weeks that their baby’s heartbeat had stopped.
“We had a lot of family issues go on last year. It was noted, and that took a toll on me. It definitely took a toll on Jena,” Koepka said after his opening round at the PGA Championship. “Last year was just difficult personally with what was going on off the golf course, nothing to do on it. It was just off.”
Koepka’s comments came after he positioned himself near the top of the leaderboard during the opening round of the PGA of America’s major championship.
Brooks Koepka Opens Up About Jena Sims During PGA Championship
GettyBrooks Koepka of the United States holds his son, Crew, with wife, Jena Sims
Koepka said life away from the golf course has improved significantly compared to last season, and he believes that has helped restore his enjoyment of the game.
“Yeah, I mean, at home it’s in a much better place,” Koepka said. “It’s easier to come out to work when everything at home lines up. Everything’s a lot better.”
The former PGA Championship winner added that the emotional toll of the miscarriage affected both him and Sims throughout 2025.
“That was kind of tough to deal with,” Koepka said. “Just being in a better place. It’s exciting. It’s a little bit of a fresh start as well. I think that’s a big piece of it. Yeah, when all that kind of lines up, it makes it enjoyable to be out here.”
Sims publicly shared details of the miscarriage in an Instagram post last October. The couple, who already share a son named Crew, spoke openly about pregnancy loss and infertility.
“At 16 weeks, we learned that our baby’s heart had stopped beating,” Sims wrote. “This is a grief no parent is ever prepared for. We are devastated, but remain hopeful to give Crew a sibling one day.”
She also wrote: “If you’re experiencing or have experienced pregnancy loss or infertility, please know you are not alone.”
Koepka later referenced those family circumstances again during a January press conference while discussing his decision to return to the PGA Tour.
“A lot’s gone on over the past five, six months with my family,” Koepka said at the time. “That played a big role into coming back.”
Brooks Koepka Finds Renewed Energy After PGA Tour Return
GettyBrooks Koepka of the United States
Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has coincided with improved form and a more positive outlook toward golf.
After struggling throughout the 2025 season, including missed cuts in three of the four major championships, Koepka said he has started enjoying competition again. He tied for 11th at the Myrtle Beach Classic before arriving at Aronimink.
“That’s the most excited I’ve been playing golf in a long, long time,” Koepka said last week, according to Golf.com. “I would say back until ’23, the PGA. That’s the most — it’s been a long time since I’ve had fun playing golf.”
Koepka also connected his improved mindset directly to stability in his personal life.
“It’s like anybody, right?” Koepka said. “If they’re happy off the golf course, they’re going to play well on the golf course. I think that’s a huge, huge piece of it, and I’ve found that.”
While his putting remains inconsistent, Koepka said he feels confident with the rest of his game entering the weekend at the PGA Championship.
“Yeah, I feel good,” Koepka said. “Every round just seems to be the worst I can shoot. Putter is absolutely horrendous. Ball striking is absolutely phenomenal. That’s been the story of the year.”
Koepka entered Friday’s second round tied for 15th place and two shots behind the early lead as he searches for his fourth PGA Championship title.
Brooks Koepka Makes Emotional Admission About Wife Jena Sims After Heartbreaking Family Tragedy