McKinney, TX – Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka returned to The CJ Cup Byron Nelson in style with a first round 8-under 63 at TPC Craig Ranch.
Playing in the event’s marquee group alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim, Koepka posted a clean card that included an eagle and six birdies.
Following an impressive up-and-down par save on his 18th, Koepka discussed his opening round:
Q. Brooks, 8-under 63 to start, bogey-free. Probably the best round you’ve had this year. Do you agree?
BROOKS KOEPKA: Yeah, yeah, I would say so.
Q. How you would assess it? Just talk about that round a little bit and the feelings you had when you were out there doing it.
BK: Yeah, that was nice. I think — we were just talking about it over here in one of the interviews. It was just a comfortable group as well. Everyone is just kind of feeding off each other, easy. Everyone’s having fun. Makes it enjoyable. I feel comfortable on the golf course as well.
Finally, I felt good with the putter. I felt good the last few days with it when I was working in my studio. Then when I got here, it felt very comfortable. Rick said the same thing from watching. Which also kind of helps build a little confidence, what you feel versus the reality of it. Just happy with the way everything went today.
Q. You haven’t played this place since 2021. What would you say are the most striking differences now that you got a chance to play this version of it?
BK: The greens are totally different than when we played. That’s obviously the biggest thing. Off the tee it looks pretty good. Place hasn’t changed too much. It’s familiar. I like it. I feel comfortable on it.
Q. A good start for today. If you win this tournament this week, it will be your second one at the CJ CUP. How would be something special for you if you have another win at the CJ CUP?
BK: Yeah, it would be fantastic. I feel like it’s a long ways away right now, but yeah, it would be great. I think, when I won it the last time, I got back to No. 1 in the world. I think there’s such a huge difference right now of trying to get into Signature Events, trying to — on my way back, coming back to the TOUR.
It would be a big confidence boost for sure because I feel like I’ve been playing well, the results just haven’t been there, mainly because of the putter, but I feel like I’m knocking on the door, and I’m very, very close. I would love to have a chance come Sunday.
