Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour action this week at the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach, Florida.
Koepka has played two PGA Tour tournaments since making his return from LIV Golf, recording a T-56 at Torrey Pines and a missed cut in Phoenix.
Many players and fans believe that Koepka’s return will make the PGA Tour stronger in the long term.
How will Brooks Koepka perform during the 2026 PGA Tour season?
Could he really win this year?
Loser. Took the money and ran. Should be barred.
However, we’re yet to see any real signs that he is close to being back to his brilliant best.
When Brooks Koepka announced he’d be returning to the PGA Tour after parting ways with LIV Golf, there was huge excitement from the vast majority of golf fans around the world.
That said, it was clear to see just before Koepka’s first start back on the PGA Tour that he wasn’t his usual self.
Koepka was nervy and looked a million miles away from the dominating, confident character who won five majors over the course of a six-year spell.
The man from West Palm Beach, Florida, almost had a guilty look on his face. He clearly knew he’d made the wrong decision by joining LIV.
However, that’s all in the past now. His entire focus should now be on getting back inside the winner’s circle on the PGA Tour.
Three reasons why Brooks Koepka will win the Cognizant Classic
Koepka has made a very slow start to life back on the PGA Tour.
However, this week could be where we finally see some fireworks from the nine-time PGA Tour winner.
In my opinion, the stars are aligning for the American to win his 10th PGA Tour title and his first non-major event since 2021.
Firstly, this week is a home game for Koepka, so to speak.
The 35-year-old lives just down the road from PGA National in Jupiter and he is very familiar with the golf course.
Do not underestimate the advantage that sleeping in his own bed will give him this week at the Cognizant Classic.
Secondly, the Cognizant Classic will be the weakest field that Koepka has played in since returning to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.
Shane Lowry is the biggest name in the field, so if Koepka can get into contention after two rounds, he will almost certainly carry somewhat of a fear factor into the weekend.
The Cognizant Classic is Brooks Koepka’s time to shine
Finally, the winning score of the Cognizant Classic has been 10-under or worse in 12 of the last 20 editions of the tournament.
With the winds expected to be gusting at around 15 mph, PGA National should be playing fairly difficult this week.
How many majors do you think Brooks Koepka will end his career with?
He’s currently level with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Seve Ballesteros and Byron Nelson with five
With plenty of sun and wind in the forecast, the greens should play fairly firm and fast and that will play right into Koepka’s hands.
We all know how the five-time major champion usually excels as the golf course he is playing becomes more challenging.
Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour was accompanied by huge fanfare, understandably so.
However, it has all been somewhat of a damp squib so far. While he hasn’t played terribly, he certainly hasn’t looked like the Koepka of old.
That will change this week – I’m certain of it.
Koepka winning the Cognizant Classic would be a huge story in the professional game, and there are plenty of reasons to believe it will happen.