Brooks Koepka Silences Critics with Blunt Response at PGA National

Five-time major champion dismisses notion of just making the cut as a 'small win'

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Brooks Koepka, the five-time major winner who recently returned to the PGA Tour after a stint with the LIV Golf league, silenced his critics with a strong second-round performance at the Cognizant Classic at PGA National. After struggling in his first two starts back, Koepka bounced back with a 5-under 66 to make the weekend, prompting a blunt response when asked if just making the cut was a small victory.

Why it matters

Koepka's move to LIV Golf had drawn criticism, and his early struggles on the PGA Tour raised questions about whether his best days were behind him. His confident response and solid play this week show that the 35-year-old still has plenty left in the tank and is focused on competing at the highest level and winning more major championships.

The details

Koepka opened the tournament with a 3-over 74, leaving him outside the cut line. But on Friday, he carded a 5-under 66, gaining 3.90 strokes on the field with his putter. When asked if just making the cut was a small win, Koepka responded curtly, 'No. If I am out here to try to make cuts, I'm probably done.'

  • On Thursday, Koepka posted a 3-over 74 in the opening round.
  • On Friday, Koepka shot a 5-under 66 to climb the leaderboard and make the cut.

The players

Brooks Koepka

A five-time major champion and former PGA Tour player who recently returned to the tour after a stint with the LIV Golf league.

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What they’re saying

“No. If I am out here to try to make cuts, I'm probably done.”

— Brooks Koepka (GOLF.com)

What’s next

Koepka will look to continue his strong play over the weekend and potentially contend for the title at the Cognizant Classic, which would further silence his critics and demonstrate that he still has the ability to win at the highest level.

The takeaway

Brooks Koepka's blunt response and solid second-round performance at the Cognizant Classic show that the five-time major champion is still driven to compete and win, not just make cuts. His confidence and determination to prove his doubters wrong could lead to more major championship victories in the years to come.