Brooks Koepka Opens PGA Championship With 69 After Family Loss

Professional golfer Brooks Koepka opened the PGA Championship with a one-under-par 69, positioning himself in contention while speaking candidly about a profoundly difficult year off the course. The five-time major winner revealed that he and his wife, model Jena Sims, suffered a miscarriage last October, an experience he said took a significant personal toll and affected his game.

“We had a lot of family issues go on last year,” Koepka said after his first round at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. “That took a toll on me and it definitely took a toll on my wife, Jena.” The couple, who have a two-year-old son, Crew, shared the loss publicly at the time, with Sims writing on social media that they were “devastated, but remain hopeful to give Crew a sibling one day.”

Koepka indicated that his family situation has since improved, contributing to a better mindset as he competes. “Yeah, I mean, at home it’s in a much better place,” he said. “It’s easier to come out to work when everything at home lines up. Everything’s a lot better… It’s a little bit of a fresh start as well.”

This personal healing coincides with Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour this season after...