For the first time since rejoining the PGA Tour, Brooks Koepka faced the media on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. After nearly four years away from regular PGA Tour competition, a stretch that included a successful stint competing for LIV Golf, Koepka’s presser offered a rare look into his mindset as he prepares for one of the most high-profile returns in recent golf history.
Koepka’s words reflected a mixture of gratitude, nervous excitement, and personal focus. He was candid about why he decided to come back, how the reinstatement process unfolded, and what matters most to him going forward, both on and off the course.
“Nervous and Grateful”: Koepka’s Return in His Own Words
In a presser that lasted roughly 25 minutes, Koepka described feeling “nervous” and “grateful” for the opportunity to compete in a regular PGA Tour event again. It’s the first time he’s been in such a setting since March 2022, when his last non-major Tour start came at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
“I don’t regret anything I do. I’ve always enjoyed the ride no matter where I’m at. That’s something you learn from anything you’re doing,” Koepka said. “I have no regrets, but at the same time I’m excited for this next chapter.”
Koepka also reiterated that family was a driving force behind his decision to return. He spoke repeatedly about wanting his loved ones to travel with him and be part of his week-to-week life– something that was challenging on the LIV Golf schedule, which often took him far from home.
“Just having my family around’s really important,” he said. “I’ve grown up a lot over the last few years, and especially the last few months. Just being able to be close to them is super important to me.”
The Path Back to Tour
Koepka shared insight into how his return became a reality. He revealed that his first phone call after making the decision to come back was to Tiger Woods, a longtime Tour ally. That connection helped him begin the process that eventually led to his reinstatement under the PGA Tour’s new Returning Member Program.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and I felt like that was what I wanted to do. Once I had the opportunity to get reinstated on the PGA Tour, it was exciting but I kind of really didn’t know what to do,” he said. “Tiger was the first person who came to mind. I didn’t know Brian [Rolapp], I didn’t really have a relationship yet with him because he’s pretty new. Jay [Monahan] was going to be the next call, but Tiger is somebody that I’ve relied on in the past for questions and answers and how to deal with things and I feel like that was probably the most comfortable call for me.”
Although Koepka declined to dwell on the politics between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, he indicated that the negotiations were respectful and focused on finding the right fit for him and his family. He emphasized that he was not looking to wade into ongoing disputes between the tours, choosing instead to focus on his own future.
With his reinstatement, Koepka accepted certain limitations, including ineligibility for equity grants and needing to earn his way into signature events outside of the majors. He acknowledged that this reality adds to the challenge, but said he welcomes the grind of trying to compete for spots, titles, and ranking points.
Reactions, Expectations, and Equipment
Throughout his comments, Koepka was open about being nervous about both the reception and the challenge ahead. He noted that while many players have reached out with support, he is also aware that opinions will vary among those who felt his departure hurt the Tour.
“I’m a little nervous about that as well. Just to see how the fans respond to it. I hope that they’re excited, I hope they’re happy that I’m out here,” he said. “It hopefully echoes the conversations I’ve had with other players. They’re excited that I’m back and happy to see me playing.”
Koepka also spoke about how things have changed on the PGA Tour during his absence, notably the rise of new stars and shifting competitive dynamics, and said that he is excited to see how he measures up. He specifically mentioned looking forward to competing with the top names currently dominating the circuit.
One small but telling detail from Koepka’s return week is what’s in his bag. At Torrey Pines, he’s still gaming a TaylorMade 2017 M2 3-wood alongside a Nike Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron, a reminder that Koepka has never been one to chase trends when something works. The Vapor Fly Pro, in particular, drew attention for an unusual reason–the Fujikura Pro shaft features two thumbprint-sized divots, worn in over years of rubbing against his bag.
It’s not something you see often on Tour, especially at this level, but it fits Koepka’s approach perfectly: trust what’s comfortable, block out the noise, and let performance speak for itself.
Whether his return becomes a catalyst for others to follow remains to be seen, but for now, Koepka’s voice is one of reflection, humility, and intense anticipation.
How to Watch
For those tuning in this week, the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines offers not just great competition, but a rare broadcast moment: ESPN will carry live PGA Tour coverage on its linear network for the first time in nearly 20 years. This special window coincides with Brooks Koepka’s return to regular PGA Tour competition — a headline storyline that has added even more buzz to the early season.
TV Coverage
ESPN’s early-round coverage will run Thursday and Friday from 12-3 p.m. ET, offering live golf on its flagship channel. The broadcast will also be available via Hulu and Disney+ during those windows.
After ESPN’s coverage window, the rest of the week’s television schedule is split across the traditional PGA Tour partners:
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Golf Channel provides ongoing coverage throughout the tournament,
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CBS handles the main weekend broadcast windows on Saturday and Sunday.
Streaming Options
For fans preferring digital access, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ offers full featured group and hole coverage throughout all four days, including early streaming of Thursday and Friday action. Paramount+ also carries simulcast feeds of CBS’s coverage for those who subscribe.
Featured Group on Thursday
Koepka is scheduled to tee off in one of the featured groups for early round action, playing alongside players like Max Homa and Ludvig Åberg, and that group figures prominently in ESPN’s main broadcast window on Thursday.
Brooks Koepka Opens Up Ahead of Farmers Insurance Open Return