Brooks Koepka and Amanda Balionis' awkward disagreement after return to PGA Tour
Brooks Koepka and CBS golf correspondent Amanda Balionis experienced an uncomfortable disagreement regarding his PGA Tour return at the Farmers Insurance Open. Koepka, 35, a five-time major champion, completed a stunning comeback to the tour earlier this month following his departure from the Saudi-funded breakaway circuit, LIV Golf, after three and a half years.
Patrick Reed will emulate Koepka's move back to the PGA Tour, intending to compete later in 2026 when he becomes eligible, and is targeting full membership next year. Koepka contested his comeback event at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in California over the weekend.
Following an opening 73, Koepka bounced back with a 4-under 68 to make the cut, positioned at 3-under through two rounds and securing a weekend spot.
Across the final two rounds, he posted a 73 and a 2-under 70, finishing tied for 56th at 4-under par overall at Torrey Pines.
Koepka's putting fell short of expectations in the earlier rounds, but he made considerable progress in the final round, as CBS' Balionis highlighted during his post-tournament interview.
The American dedicated hours the evening before the final round practising his putting, which produced a "huge improvement," according to Balionis.
Nevertheless, Koepka disagreed. He insisted he "wasn't great" and "overdid it" at times during the final round and is anticipating the Phoenix Open this week at the Stadium Course.
"I mean, it wasn't great today, I think I kind of overdid it, but a little bit, a few more hours of practice, it'll be nice," Koepka said. "Next week the greens are pretty good, so get out there Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and grind on that."
Balionis challenged him, pointing out that he essentially broke even during the final round rather than losing five-and-a-half strokes in putting on Saturday.
"You were losing almost five and a half strokes on the field yesterday in strokes game putting. You pretty much broke even today, so there was certainly an improvement," Balionis said.
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"I was talking to your caddie, Ricky, earlier in the week, and he said it's funny when you walk out to Torrey Pines, it feels like almost nothing's changed, and then you realise so many things have changed.
"The players have gotten younger, scores are lower. When you walk away this week, what are going to be the things to you that feel like coming home, and what are the things that have felt like the biggest change?"
Koepka responded: "Yeah, obviously the biggest change is I feel like I probably don't know about half the guys in the last four years. There's been a good bit of turnover, so yeah, that's the one thing I've taken away. There's half the guys I do know and then the other half I don't, so it'll be a fun year just getting to know everybody, and I'm excited."
This week, Koepka will make his return to the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course for the Phoenix Open, where he has enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career.
In 2015, it served as the venue for his maiden PGA Tour triumph. In 2021, he claimed the championship once more.
"Yeah, it'll be good. I enjoy next week. I love the chaos," Koepka added. "I think it's fun.
"It's been, what, four years since I've been back, so I'm excited to get back out there and to a place I'm familiar with, comfortable with, and a place I love."
This article first appeared on Mirror US.