Brooks Koepka delivered a stunning opening round at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Thursday, firing a nine-under-par 62 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
The performance represented the five-time major champion's finest start to a tournament since his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the newly established Returning Member Programme.
Koepka was the first high-profile player to leave LIV Golf in pursuit of rejoining the American circuit.
His bogey-free round featured six birdies and an eagle on the par-five 12th hole, with the 36-year-old American finishing fourth in strokes gained putting for the day.
Brooks Koepka has returned to the PGA Tour after leaving LIV Golf
|REUTERS
The American revealed that returning to the PGA Tour has given him access to support services he lacked during his four-and-a-half years with the Saudi-backed league.
"Just to have so many options," Koepka explained regarding equipment.
"It's maybe a little bit overwhelming, at the same time, because access to equipment trucks, grip changes, things like that."
He acknowledged these facilities were largely unavailable to him whilst competing on LIV.
"Sometimes I wasn't privy to over the last four, five years. During majors was kind of the only time you saw it."
Brooks Koepka has made a fantastic start at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Thursday
|REUTERS
The ability to quickly replace damaged clubs or make shaft adjustments has proven a significant benefit since his comeback.
Koepka's return has come with restrictions, including being barred from the lucrative $20 million Signature Events despite winning the 2023 PGA Championship whilst with LIV. He must earn his way into those tournaments through performance.
Rather than viewing this as a hindrance, the American has embraced the challenge.
"I'm enjoying the grind. I'm enjoying battling it out here," he said. "Yeah, it's just a newfound love, a newfound passion for the game, and something that I'm really, really enjoying."
He added: "Being back on the road and grinding it out and trying to find it in the dirt. I think there's something to be said about that. Each week is becoming more and more fun."
Koepka's opening effort left him one stroke behind Taylor Moore, who carded a ten-under-par round to claim the overnight lead. Kensei Hirata sat second at nine under as of Friday morning.
Five quirky facts about golf | GBNEWSThe strong putting display followed a significant equipment change, with Koepka switching to a Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5 — his fourth putter of the season — after last week's PGA Championship at Aronimink.
"Finally, I felt good with the putter," he remarked.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, defending his title, opened with a five-under 66. Koepka was scheduled to play alongside Scheffler and Si Woo Kim again for Friday's second round.