Brooks Koepka opened The CJ CUP Byron Nelson with a bogey-free 63, taking the early clubhouse lead at 8-under. The former major champion credited a new Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5 putter as he delivered an eagle, six birdies, and strong putting statistics to s
Brooks Koepka walked into Thursday morning like a man with a point to prove—and he answered the first test fast.
In the opening round of The CJ CUP Byron Nelson, Koepka fired a 63 to take the lead into the clubhouse. His round included one eagle and six birdies with zero bogeys, leaving him bogey-free as he sent his name to the top early on.
This was not just any low score either. The 63 was Koepka’s lowest round on the PGA Tour since 2020. It also put his current form in sharp contrast to the way he has been trying to rebuild momentum since his last victory—his last PGA Tour win came in 2023 at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. Winning in his first season back on tour would be a major momentum boost for Koepka. especially at a tournament Scheffler won in 2025.
The spark seemed to start quickly on the back nine at the 10th hole. Koepka parred the 10th, birdied the 11th, and then landed an eagle on the par-5 12th. By the time he reached three holes played, he was already at -3. He added another birdie on the 14th to post a 31 on the back nine.
He didn’t stumble at any point on Thursday, and the front nine kept piling on. Koepka birdied the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th holes. After stringing together three birdies in a row, his score put him close to the very top of the leaderboard. The par-5 9th brought almost-magic again—he was close to making a four on that hole. but he was just short.
Koepka’s putting stood out just as much as the scoring. He delivered strong putting performances reflected in his season statistics and his shot-making on the greens during the round. On Thursday, he recorded +2.9 SG: Approach and +2.3 SG: Putting. By the end of the opening round. the putting numbers were reinforced by how he’d built the score: one eagle. six birdies. and no bogeys.
The round also fit a broader look at his season rhythm. The 2026 PGA Tour season placing for his putting was 141st, but after his first round at Byron Nelson he held the 4th position.
There was also a clear equipment storyline attached to the performance. Koepka appears to be going back to a Scotty Cameron this week. with a plan to use a Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5. The question now is what insert he is using—because standard models typically carry a softer Studio Carbon Steel insert—though the details of the specific insert remain something to watch as the tournament moves on.
Koepka held the early lead at 8-under after his opening round, giving him a strong platform as Friday arrives with later tee times. If he can keep this level of play after a later start on Friday, he’ll likely be in the running to win the tournament heading into movement day.
For now, the answer to the question “Is Brooks Koepka back?” at least in the early hours of this week is simple: he backed it up with a new-hot putter, a 63, and a spotless bogey-free card to lead the clubhouse at The CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Brooks Koepka CJ CUP Byron Nelson PGA Tour 63 Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5 putting leaderboard