Koepka's best round on TOUR since 2020 grabs early Byron Nelson lead

Brooks Koepka posted his best round on the PGA TOUR since 2020, firing an 8-under 63 on Thursday to grab an early lead at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

Koepka played a bogey-free round, which included six birdies and an eagle on the 12th hole. The last time the American shot a bogey-free 63 or lower was at the 2019 PGA Championship, where he won the tournament by two strokes.

Koepka is in his first season back on the PGA TOUR after getting released from the final year of his deal with LIV Golf. The 36-year-old said Wednesday that he intends to play in every tournament he's eligible for after accepting penalties to enable his return.

"Every week is a new, fresh start for me. Obviously, with my penalty, I'm not allowed to play every event. If I get the chance to tee it up, I want to play," Koepka said. "I've kinda fallen back in love with this. I'm enjoying the grind, I'm enjoying battling it out here. It's just a newfound love, a newfound passion for the game."

He added, "Each week is becoming more and more fun."

Many of the PGA TOUR's top golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young, and Justin Rose, aren't participating in this week's event. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who won last year's tournament by eight strokes, posted a 5-under 66 in Thursday's opening round.