Brooks Koepka Comforts Young Girl After Golf Cart Incident During Valspar Championship Play was temporarily halted during the Valspar Championship on Saturday when a young girl was struck by a golf cart transporting spectators. The incident occurred as Koepka was playing the par 3 15th hole, and he immediately rushed to the scene to comfort the child, who had ended up underneath the moving cart. NBC Sports broadcaster Dan Hicks reported that the girl was unharmed but described the moment as "very scary." Golf.com’s walking reporter Smylie Kaufman provided updates over the air, stating that the girl, identified as Shay, was undergoing medical evaluation and would be okay. Koepka, who was tied for 13th heading into the final round with a 5-under score, addressed the incident after his round. "I just felt terrible for her," he said, according to Golf.com. "As long as she’s OK, that’s all that matters." Koepka also expressed empathy for the girl’s fear, noting that the situation was unfortunate but not life-threatening. The incident marked a moment of compassion for Koepka, who has been in the spotlight for his return to the PGA Tour after defecting to LIV Golf. The five-time major champion had previously left the PGA Tour in 2022 to join the Saudi-backed rival league but recently reached an agreement to return. His decision to rejoin the PGA Tour was influenced by a desire to prioritize family time and reduce the extensive international travel associated with LIV Golf. Koepka’s attorney, Freedman of Liner Freedman Taitelman + Cooley LLP, highlighted the PGA Tour’s welcoming approach to his return. "The PGA has been wonderful in welcoming him back," Freedman told Fox News Digital. "There are certainly restrictions he has to abide by, but they’ve been incredible in their support.#pga_tour #brooks_koepka #valspar_championship #shay #liner_freedman_taitelman_cooley_llp
Brooks Koepka Expresses Relief After Girl Escapes Injury in Golf Cart Incident The Valspar Championship faced a brief disruption during Saturday’s third round when a young spectator was struck by a golf cart. The incident occurred as Brooks Koepka was playing the par-3 15th hole, prompting him to leave his position and check on the child. Koepka, who was among the first to respond, later shared his thoughts on the event during his post-round interview. According to NBC broadcast analyst Dan Hicks, the girl had been caught underneath the golf cart, which was transporting spectators. However, walking reporter Smylie Kaufman clarified that the child had avoided serious injury. “She’s going to be OK after medical evaluation,” Kaufman reported, adding that the moment was “very scary.” Koepka expressed relief upon learning the girl’s condition. “I just felt terrible for her,” Koepka said, referencing the girl’s name as Shay. “From all the reports you’ve got, she’s okay, thankfully. So that’s all that matters, as long as she’s okay.” He acknowledged the incident was unfortunate but emphasized that the child had not suffered any major harm. “I know she’s probably a little scared, and I just felt for her at the time. It shouldn’t have happened, but as long as she’s okay, nothing crazy happened to her, then it will be okay.” Koepka’s performance on the course was unaffected by the incident. He made a double bogey at the par-4 16th hole, finishing the third round at four under par. With a total of 11 shots behind the leader, Sungjae Im, Koepka admitted he was still far from contention. “I’m a long ways away,” he said. “I felt like I needed to get to at least, it would have been nice to stay at 6.” He expressed hope for a strong final round, stating, “I need a real low one tomorrow.#brooks_koepka #smylie_kaufman #valspar_championship #shay #dan_hicks
2026 Masters Odds, Picks, and Field: PGA Tour Predictions from a Proven Model The 2026 Masters Tournament, set to take place at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, has drawn significant attention as three players aim to complete the career grand slam. Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Brooks Koepka have each won two of the other majors and now face the chance to secure their fourth major title. The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Scottie Scheffler as the +430 favorite, followed by Rory McIlroy at +850 and Ludvig Aberg at +1100. Other notable contenders include Bryson DeChambeau (+1600), Jon Rahm (+1300), and Schauffele (+1600). Tiger Woods, who has not ruled out participation, is a +25000 longshot. A sophisticated computer model, developed by DFS pro Mike McClure, has simulated the 2026 Masters 10,000 times and produced surprising insights. The model, which has accurately predicted 16 major championships, including the 2025 Masters and this year’s PGA and Open Championships, is now offering its projections for the 2026 event. The model’s analysis suggests that Schauffele, despite his status as a favorite, may struggle. His recent performance on the PGA Tour has been inconsistent, with a missed cut in his first event and a 41st-place finish in his second. His putting has regressed, ranking 76th in total putting compared to third in 2024 when he won two majors. Additionally, his record at Augusta National has been mixed, with more missed cuts than top-fives over the past four years. In contrast, the model is highly confident in Collin Morikawa, despite his +2700 odds. Morikawa, who already has a PGA Championship and Open Championship, has a strong history at the Masters.#brooks_koepka #xander_schauffele #collin_morikawa #augusta_national_golf_club #mike_mcclure
Previewing the Players Championship: Can Koepka contend, who are some sleepers? PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The 2026 PGA Players Championship has arrived, bringing with it a mix of high-stakes competition and intriguing storylines. Defending champion Rory McIlroy and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler are both aiming for their third title at TPC Sawgrass, while Brooks Koepka, returning to the event after a two-year absence, faces the challenge of proving himself against the sport’s elite. The course, known for its demanding layout and unpredictable conditions, is expected to test even the most seasoned players. Scheffler, a two-time previous winner of the event, is widely regarded as the favorite despite recent struggles. His performance at Bay Hill last week, where he appeared frustrated with his play, highlights the pressure he faces. While his iron play has dipped this season—ranking 88th in strokes gained: approach—he has the experience and talent to overcome such slumps. The tournament’s format, which rewards precision and consistency, suits his strengths, making him a strong contender. However, his slow starts this year, with a scoring average of 70.4 in the first three rounds compared to 67.0 in the final three, remain a concern. Koepka, meanwhile, is making his first appearance at the Players since 2022. The 35-year-old has never finished in the top 10 at TPC Sawgrass in seven starts, including a missed cut in 2022. His struggles on the 17th hole, a par-3 that has cost him dearly over the years, could be a critical factor. Despite this, Koepka has shown flashes of his former dominance, including a 65 at PGA National last month. This week’s event will serve as a true test of his ability to compete with the Tour’s best.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #brooks_koepka #xander_schauffele #jon_rahm
