Brooks Koepka opens strong at PGA Championship after admitting 'family issues' took a toll last year

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Brooks Koepka has gotten off to a nice start at the PGA Championship, and each made cut has resulted in a top-20 finish this season.

The five-time major winner returned to the PGA Tour this season after spending four years with LIV Golf and was one of 33 players to break 70 in the first round on Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club outside of Philadelphia.

Last year was a struggle for Koepka on the course, as he missed the cut in three of the four majors and finished 31st in the individual LIV standings.

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Brooks Koepka reacts after his putt on the 14th green during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on May 14, 2026. (James Lang/Imagn Images)

But it was a struggle off the course as well, especially with his wife, Jena Sims, suffering a miscarriage at 16 weeks pregnant.

Speaking after his first round Thursday, Koepka admitted that "a lot of family issues" last year "took a toll" on him and affected his play.

"That was kind of tough to deal with," Koepka said, via the New York Post.

But home is "in a much better place," which coincides with his impressive scores in the early going.

"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," Koepka continued.

Brooks Koepka plays his shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on May 14, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

JON RAHM APOLOGIZES AFTER