Full Breakdown
Brooks Koepka Switches to Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5 Putter Ahead of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson
5/21/2026, 9:53:01 PM
Core Event: Equipment Change and Tournament Preparation
Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka entered the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch with a new Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5 putter. After using a mallet head at the WM Phoenix Open, Koepka said the Fastback “gives him the feel of a blade and a little more toe hang,” and he hopes the change will restore confidence and momentum on the greens. He spent the week in his South-Florida putting studio, fine-tuning grip, alignment and set-up before traveling to Texas.
Background: Past Playoff Loss and Return to the PGA Tour
Koepka recalled his 2016 loss to Sergio Garcia on the first playoff hole at the then-TPC Four Seasons, noting the missed tee-shot into water as “a very, very good chance of winning.” The memory resurfaced as he prepared to defend the title with defending champion Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim as early-round partners. After a two-year stint with LIV Golf, Koepka rejoined the PGA Tour in January 2024 and is currently ranked No. 111, a steep drop from his 47-week tenure at No. 1.
Recent Performance Data
- PGA Championship (May 2026): T-55
- Masters (April 2026): T-12 (one of five top-18 finishes since rejoining)
- Cognizant Classic (2026): T-9 (season best)
- Myrtle Beach Classic (2026): T-11, highlighted by a third-round 64
- Previous win: Phoenix Open (Feb 2021) – last regular PGA Tour victory
These results illustrate a mixed season, with strong iron play but persistent putting struggles.
Official Statements & Responses
Koepka described the overhauled TPC Craig Ranch as “a bit of both” regarding familiarity, adding that a close approach shot can “take the pressure off the putting.” He emphasized control over his ball flight, stating he feels “in complete control of my golf ball — shape, spin, trajectory,” and that the remaining challenge is “just a matter of rolling those putts in.” Regarding his short-game slump, he highlighted a “back-to-basics” approach, focusing on alignment, grip and putter aim.
Criticism & Opposition
The source material did not contain direct criticism of Koepka’s equipment change or tournament strategy. No opposing viewpoints were reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hopefully I can just kind of [get] some confidence with it and build some momentum off of it,” — Brooks Koepka, PGA Tour player
- “I look back at last week, which I’m very kind of annoyed with because I kind of let the last couple holes get away from me just from maybe a little bit of anger or annoyance, maybe more of an annoyance thing, of not making any putts and feeling like you’ve got to go at flags. I had no business going at that flag on 17. Aiming right at it was stupid.” — Brooks Koepka, PGA Tour player
- “It can be a bit of both,” — Brooks Koepka, PGA Tour player (on course overhaul)
- “I still think about that from time to time. I feel like that was a very, very good chance of winning. I felt like I should have won,” — Brooks Koepka, PGA Tour player (reflecting on 2016 playoff)
- “Just going back to basics, I think is a huge thing, trying to make sure you're lined up, your grip is correct, your putter is aimed where you think it's aimed.” — Brooks Koepka, PGA Tour player
What’s Next: Upcoming Rounds and Pairings
Koepka will share the first two rounds with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim, providing a high-profile measuring stick for his form. He expressed optimism, saying he is “excited about it, and we’ll see how things shake out,” as he seeks his first PGA Tour victory since his 2023 PGA Championship win.
