ESPN Broadcasts Brooks Koepka’s Live PGA Tour Comeback
ESPN is set to broadcast live coverage of the PGA Tour for the first time in 17 years. This historic event marks the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour after a four-year tenure with LIV Golf. The coverage will occur during the Farmers Insurance Open on January 29 and 30, 2026.
ESPN’s Historic PGA Tour Coverage
Last televised non-major PGA Tour event aired on ESPN was the WGC-Barbados World Cup in 2006. According to Josh Carpenter from Sports Business Journal, this marks a significant shift for the network. For several years, ESPN+ held streaming rights to PGA Tour Live, offering early-morning and afternoon coverage.
Key Details of the Coverage
- Date: January 29 and 30, 2026
- Broadcast Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET
- Players: Brooks Koepka, Max Homa, Ludvig Aberg
- Coverage Platform: ESPN, Disney+, Hulu
Enhancements to the Broadcast
ESPN plans to allocate additional cameras for the “Main Feed” to ensure uninterrupted coverage of Koepka’s group. This change enhances viewer experience, particularly during significant moments of his return.
Impact on the PGA Tour
Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour represents a crucial moment in the ongoing competition against LIV Golf. The decision to showcase his first rounds on a major network emphasizes the importance of the event and aims to capture a broad audience.
Leadership Influence
The initiative for this live airing is attributed to Brian Rolapp, the new CEO of the PGA Tour. Rolapp’s previous experience with the NFL has fostered strong connections within media programming, allowing such strategic decisions to unfold swiftly.
The Farmers Insurance Open promises to attract significant viewership, showcasing the evolving media strategies of the PGA Tour and the return of a prominent figure in golf.
