Brooks Koepka's immediate reaction to first round on PGA Tour since 2022

Brooks Koepka faces an uphill battle to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open after a difficult first round on his return to the PGA Tour.

Koepka quit LIV Golf in December and was reinstated to the American circuit under a returning member programme. 

He told reporters on Tuesday he was nervous ahead of making his first start on the PGA Tour since the 2022 Valspar Championship. 

And although he did not show nerves, the five-time major champion looked a tad rusty as he carded a one-over 73 on Torrey Pines' South Course. 

"I would have liked to have driven the ball a little bit better," Koepka told Golf Channel. "I felt like I was in the rough all day. 

"Ball striking-wise though, [my] iron play's phenomenal. Didn't quite make—I guess I didn't really give myself that many good birdie looks because I was in the rough all day, but when I did I felt like I was fine. I hit good putts. 

"Poa [grass] is not—I've always struggled a little bit on Poa. Overall, I'm pleased. I haven't played a competitive round in a while, but the game feels there."

The 36-year-old, who received a warm reception on the first tee, was made to wait until the 18th hole to register his sole birdie of the day, holing a putt from seven feet. 

Koepka, who played alongside Max Homa and Ludvig Aberg, received a warm reception on the first tee and had a wonderful opportunity to begin his round with a bang after firing a dart into the first green but missed his 11-foot birdie putt low. 

He dropped his first shot on the fourth hole after finding the fairway bunker with his tee shot. He could only advance his golf ball to the edge of the green and then failed to get up and down for par. 

Eight consecutive pars followed before Koepka dropped another stroke at the par-five 13th. 

Koepka had outside opportunities for birdie at 15, 16 and 17 but settled for pars. 

His first birdie of the day came at the par-five 18th. From 285 yards, he sent a towering approach that came to rest in the second cut of rough at the back of the green. 

Koepka chipped to seven feet and managed to hole the downhill slider.

Several PGA Tour members have expressed their delight at Koepka's return. 

Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth and the aforementioned Aberg have spoken positively of Koepka in recent days. 

Patrick Reed followed in Koepka's footsteps yesterday by announcing his return to the PGA Tour after failing to agree terms with LIV Golf. 

Koepka said he was unsure how the spectators were going to treat him this week. 

"It was a lot of fun," Koepka added. "There was a lot of support out there from the fans, which was really cool. Made me feel good. It was exciting. 

"Obviously, I just wanted to get that first tee shot kind of done with and get back into the rhythm of playing golf, where I guess I'm most comfortable. It was a lot of fun. 

"It was a good group with Max and Ludvig, so I enjoyed it. I just wish we all could play a little better."