Monday, February 16, 2026

Brooks Koepka Sets Unwanted Record Following Disastrous WM Phoenix Open Start

Brooks Koepka returned to TPC Scottsdale with high expectations as he prepared to defend his title at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. As a two-time champion of this event, Koepka was confident in his ability to conquer the challenging course once again. However, Thursday’s opening round proved to be a tough start for the golfer, as he tied for 116th place and set an unwanted record.

Koepka’s familiarity with TPC Scottsdale could not save him from a disastrous start in the first round. He struggled on the greens, having -3.62 strokes to the field in putting, which was among the worst in the tournament. This staggering performance left fans and experts alike shocked, as Koepka is known for his strong putting game.

The 31-year-old golfer had a tough time on the greens, missing several crucial putts throughout the round. His usually reliable putting stroke seemed to have abandoned him, resulting in a disappointing score of +4 for the day. This was a far cry from his previous performances at the Phoenix Open, where he had recorded a total of 50-under in his previous two wins.

Koepka’s struggles on the greens were evident from the start of his round. He missed a short putt for birdie on the 2nd hole, setting the tone for the rest of the day. Despite his best efforts, he could not seem to find his rhythm on the greens and was unable to convert any of his birdie opportunities.

As the round progressed, Koepka’s frustration only grew, and it was evident in his body language. He was visibly disappointed with his performance and struggled to maintain his composure. His usually calm and collected demeanor was replaced with a sense of urgency to turn things around.

Despite his best efforts, Koepka’s struggles continued, and he ended the day with a score of +4, tying for 116th place. This was a significant setback for the golfer, who had high hopes for this tournament. It was also his worst opening round in any event since 2013, highlighting the magnitude of his struggles on Thursday.

Koepka’s disappointing start to the Phoenix Open also set an unwanted record for him. This was the first time in his professional career that he had a score above par in the opening round of a PGA Tour event. It was a shocking turn of events for the two-time major champion, who is known for his consistency and strong performances in big events.

Despite this setback, Koepka remains determined to bounce back and make a strong comeback in the remaining rounds. He knows that he has the skills and experience to overcome this rough start and is determined to prove himself once again on the course.

Koepka’s fans and supporters have also shown their unwavering support for him, sending messages of encouragement and positivity on social media. They believe in his ability to bounce back and are confident that he will make a strong comeback in the upcoming rounds.

The WM Phoenix Open has always been a special tournament for Koepka, and he has had great success here in the past. He will be looking to draw upon his past experiences and use them to his advantage in the remaining rounds. With his strong determination and the unwavering support of his fans, Koepka is ready to turn things around and make a statement at TPC Scottsdale.

In conclusion, Brooks Koepka’s disappointing start to the WM Phoenix Open may have set an unwanted record, but it is by no means the end of his journey in this tournament. He is a resilient and experienced golfer who knows how to handle tough situations and come out on top. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Koepka as he looks to make a strong comeback and defend his title at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

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