Palm Beach Gardens, FL – Brooks Koepka returns to the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches this week, marking his first appearance in the “hometown event” in three years. The five-time major champion’s participation is notable not only for his connection to the area, but likewise for a $5 million charitable donation made earlier this week as part of his agreement upon rejoining the PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program in January.
Koepka’s return to PGA National comes after a period of adjustment following his move to LIV Golf in 2022 and subsequent reconciliation with the PGA Tour. He is currently navigating a new dynamic, balancing his professional career with fatherhood, having welcomed his son, Crew, in recent months. “Took a stick to the face the other day at the house, so that was interesting,” Koepka shared with reporters, referencing a hockey incident with his two-year-ancient son. “It definitely hurts.”
The transition back to the PGA Tour has included adjustments to his equipment. Koepka switched from a blade putter to a mallet ahead of the WM Phoenix Open, a change prompted by struggles with his short game. While he missed the cut at TPC Scottsdale, Koepka expressed optimism about his progress with the new putter. “I didn’t know where exactly I was hitting it… now I understand exactly where to hit it and where it’s going,” he said Wednesday. Despite the early struggles, oddsmakers list him as seventh favorite to win the tournament at +2900.
The convenience of playing so close to home is a significant benefit for Koepka, who has lived in the area for much of his life. “It’s definitely weird staying at home,” he admitted. “You just get so accustomed to living out of a suitcase.” He recalled attending the tournament as a child, carrying a sign and dreaming of competing. “Growing up here, I came every year… From [the time] I was 9, 10 years old until probably maybe a junior, senior in high school.” He finished tied for 16th at the Cognizant Classic in 2022.
This year’s field at the Cognizant Classic lacks the depth of top-ranked players, with Ryan Gerard, currently ranked in the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking, as the highest-ranked competitor. Koepka, however, downplayed the significance of the field’s overall ranking, stating he’s focused on getting to know the players he hasn’t encountered recently. “There’s probably more guys I’ve just had to introduce myself to,” he said, referencing the turnover within the professional golf landscape. Koepka currently sits at No. 263 in the Official World Golf Ranking, a substantial drop from his peak position of No. 1, which he held for 38 consecutive weeks beginning in May 2019.
Koepka emphasized the personal significance of playing in his hometown, noting the ease of access for his family and friends. “It’s nice to be able to be this close to home and to have everybody come out,” he said. “It’s just enjoyable to see faces you haven’t seen in a long time.”
