After returning to the PGA Tour, Brooks Koepka was seen struggling on the greens for some time. However, he finally gained some momentum at the Cognizant Classic as he secured his first top-10 finish for the season. But now, he is preparing for one of the most demanding tests on the schedule, The Players Championship. The five-time major has previously struggled in the PGA Tour flagship event. Notably, he has now thrown light on one of his biggest weaknesses.

“The 17th hole. (Smiling.) I don’t know if there’s stats on it, but I guarantee there are. One year I made an 8 and a 7. Yeah, that wasn’t very good. But that 17th hole has gotten me over the years. I’ve played good rounds here; that’s just kind of the one bugaboo that always gets me,” said Koepka in the presser of the 2026 Players Championship.

Although getting some momentum might have provided him with a timely confidence boost heading into TPC Sawgrass, the Florida venue has rarely been kind to him. In past appearances, Koepka has struggled to piece together a complete week at The Players Championship. And it has been the 17th hole, aka the Island Green.

The iconic par-3 17th hole has repeatedly tested him. His best finish at TPC Sawgrass came in 2018, and he finished tied for 11. And the last time he teed off for the Players in 2022, but unfortunately missed the cut.

“There’s a couple tee shots, too, I think that are quite tough. 4 seems to be quite tough. And then I played the back yesterday and I think — I don’t know if it’s just I’m getting older and not hitting it as far, but there’s a couple holes I swear they have lengthened,” explained Koepka, reflecting on his weakness. 

He then shared how he has not been a part of the event for four long years, which makes it tough for him to analyze the match-play on screen and prepare for the event. 

“But I think 12, they might have lengthened a little bit. 15 it feels like they did. But, yeah, and 16 it feels like they might have maybe a hair. I don’t know, the tee box was way back yesterday. So I don’t know, but the 17th hole has got my number,” further added Koepka.

Although the 17th hole is a short par-3, there’s almost zero margin for error. More so because of the water hazards, thus if a shot is slightly long, short, or off-line, the ball can land in the water. Water hazards are positioned close enough to the fairway so players must look to strategically aim or control distance to avoid them. Still, despite the challenges, Koepka is trying to stay consistent on his game.

Brooks Koepka hopes for consistency at The Players Championship 

Koepka is a five-time major champion. However, having recently returned to to the PGA Tour, the former LIV golfer will be up against a fully-stacked field for the first time. Notably, his much-hyped return has, till now, not borne rich fruit. Playing in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, Koepka tied for 56th at 4 under. 

Next up, he failed to make the cut following rounds of 76-69 in the WM Phoenix Open. Thankfully for him, his most recent stint at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches had him at 6-under 65. Facing some technical difficulties, Koepka had to switch to a Spider putter from a blade putter. 

Unfortunately, he missed a golden opportunity of fine tuning his skills as he was barred from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. As part of the Returning Member Program, Koepka can only play the non-signature events. 

Speaking on his API absence, Koepka said, “I mean, you would like to be there last week, but I understand those are the consequences of my decisions. I’m a big boy, I understand that. So, I got to sit at home and watch, and the answer to everything is play good golf, and everything will take care of itself.”

Unperturbed by the situation, Koepka took part in the Seminole Pro-Member. Notably, he is working very hard with his caddie, Ricky Elliot, to try to break the curse at the TPC Sawgrass this year.