Brooks Koepka is experiencing a return to normalcy in his life and golf game, despite frustrations with his putting at the PGA Championship. He shot a 1-under 69 in the first round, placing him in contention.
Key points
Brooks Koepka shot a 1-under 69 in the first round
He is feeling a return to normalcy in his life
Koepka expressed frustration with his putting
The PGA Championship is at Aronimink Golf Club
He is in contention despite challenges
Mentioned in this story
Aronimink Golf ClubNewtown, Pennsylvania
Brooks KoepkaPGA Championship
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — For Brooks Koepka, life is returning to some semblance of normalcy … in his golf game and, most importantly, in his life.
And you know how you can tell: Koepka was frustrated after shooting a 1-under 69 in the first round of the PGA Championship. That's a score that has him squarely in contention with many of his peers having a difficult time solving Aronimink Golf Club, but he still was able to speak about how the joy is returning to his life.
Koepka now can re-focus on golf. Which means he can get angry when he's not playing up to his standards but understand that's not the most important thing in his life.
A general view of the 10th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Harris English of the United States walks the eighth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts on the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Q&A
What was Brooks Koepka's score in the first round of the PGA Championship?
Brooks Koepka shot a 1-under 69 in the first round of the PGA Championship.
How is Brooks Koepka feeling about his golf game at the PGA Championship?
Brooks Koepka is feeling a return of joy in his life and golf game, despite some frustrations with his putting.
Where is the 2026 PGA Championship being held?
The 2026 PGA Championship is being held at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
What does Brooks Koepka say about his performance at the PGA Championship?
Brooks Koepka expressed frustration with his performance but acknowledged the joy returning to his life.
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Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts after a putt on the 13th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Ben Griffin of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Jordan Spieth (L) of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland talk during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Joaquin Niemann of Chile reacts to a camera on the 13th tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Min Woo Lee of Australia talks to caddie Shane Joel on the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Bryce Fisher of the United States, Corebridge Financial Team of PGA of America, plays a shot on the 15th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
A general view of the 18th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
A fan wearing a clear bag with the PGA logo during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Ludvig Aberg of Sweden plays a shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
A general view of the ninth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Kota Kaneko of Japan plays a shot on the second hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Rickie Fowler of the United States takes a club from his caddie Ricky Romano on the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Jordan Spieth of the United States acknowledges the crowd on the 13th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Xander Schauffele of the United States walks to the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Jon Rahm of Spain talks to a rules official on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
A detailed view of the Wanamaker Trophy near the first tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
A general view of the 10th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
1 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
A general view of the 10th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
2 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Harris English of the United States walks the eighth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
3 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts on the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
4 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts after a putt on the 13th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
5 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Ben Griffin of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Jordan Spieth (L) of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland talk during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
7 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
8 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Joaquin Niemann of Chile reacts to a camera on the 13th tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
9 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Min Woo Lee of Australia talks to caddie Shane Joel on the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
10 / 22
2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Bryce Fisher of the United States, Corebridge Financial Team of PGA of America, plays a shot on the 15th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
A general view of the 18th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
A fan wearing a clear bag with the PGA logo during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Ludvig Aberg of Sweden plays a shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
A general view of the ninth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Kota Kaneko of Japan plays a shot on the second hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Rickie Fowler of the United States takes a club from his caddie Ricky Romano on the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Jordan Spieth of the United States acknowledges the crowd on the 13th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Xander Schauffele of the United States walks to the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
Jon Rahm of Spain talks to a rules official on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
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2026 PGA Championship: Best photos from Thursday's opening round
A detailed view of the Wanamaker Trophy near the first tee during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
Koepka and his family has been through a lot in the last year. Yes, the drama of leaving LIV golf has faded. But that is secondary.
Time has started to heal the heartbreak he suffered in his personal life.
Brooks and his wife, Jena, experienced the devastation of losing their unborn child. On Oct. 6, Jena shared on social media that the couple's second child's heart stopped beating at 16 weeks. "We are devastated, but remain hopeful to give Crew a sibling one day," she wrote, referring to their one child.
For Brooks, the road to recovery has not been easy.
"We had a lot of family issues go on last year. It was noted, and that took a toll on me," Koepka said following his opening round. "It definitely took a toll on Jena. That was kind of tough to deal with.
"It's easier to come out to work when everything at home lines up. Everything's a lot better. Last year was just difficult personally with what was going on off the golf course, nothing to do on it. It was just off."
Brooks Koepka getting a fresh start on golf course
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 14: Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 14: Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a shot on the 16th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Koepka is calling it a fresh start. And for Koepka, who built his reputation during a two-year period when he was the most dominant — and to some, intimidating — golfer on the planet, that means getting back to the standard that allowed him to win five major championships.
Which is why he was far from satisfied with a score that had him just two behind the leaders after the first wave.
Koepka bogeyed No. 10, his first hole, got it back two holes later and then birdied No. 14. He ended the round with 13 consecutive pars.
Not good enough. And the reason is what has ailed him most of the year …
His putter.
"Struck it beautifully," he said. "I thought I drove it OK. The iron play has been really good, striking it exactly how I want to, flighting it the way I want to.
"Putter is absolutely horrendous."
At one point during the first round, Koepka was second in the field in strokes gained: tee to green; and strokes gained: approach the green.
At that same point, he was 144th in strokes gained: putting.
"Every round just seems to be the worst I can shoot," he said. "Ball striking is absolutely phenomenal. That's been the story of the year. Hopefully, we can figure out a way to turn this around."
The struggles forced Koepka to switch putters early in the year, after ranking last in putting at the Farmers Insurance Open, his first event back on the PGA Tour. He's had some solid weeks — top 20s in the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, Players, Valspar and Masters.
But he also missed three cuts this year.
Brooks Koepka post-LIV had to play opposite field event
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 14: Brooks Koepka of the United States looks on from the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
NEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 14: Brooks Koepka of the United States looks on from the 12th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 14, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
And then there was the event leading up to the PGA Championship, the Myrtle Beach Classic. Koepka entered the opposite field event because he has not qualified for the signature events because of the penalties he was assessed upon returning to the PGA Tour after four years on LIV.
After carding a 64 in the third round at Myrtle Beach — he finished T11 — Koepka started talking about how he once again has joy in his game.
"I re-found my happiness, my love for the game," he said. "All the pieces are connected. It's just now, I've got to go out and go play."
Now, time will tell if Koepka rediscovers his putting, and whatever else he needs to once again be among the elite in his sport.
But if that takes time, or even never happens, that's OK. Because he is in a much better place now where it matters most.
"It's exciting," he said. "When all that kind of lines up, it makes it enjoyable to be out here."
