Brooks Koepka’s 2025 Masters campaign came to an abrupt and painful halt on Friday afternoon at Augusta National, ending with a moment that can only be described as pure heartbreak. After a rollercoaster second round that saw him clawing back into the mix, the five-time major champion’s chances unraveled at the 18th hole. Standing on the cut line and needing a par to keep his streak of major made-cuts alive, Koepka pulled his tee shot into the trees, took an unplayable, and ultimately carded a quadruple-bogey eight. Just like that, a promising rally ended in disaster—and with it, his weekend at Augusta.
Yet, while the main event brought frustration, Koepka’s time at Augusta wasn’t without a glimmer of magic. Just a day earlier, during the iconic Par 3 Contest, the LIV Golf star delivered a moment for the highlight reels—and for his family’s scrapbook. With his wife, actress and model Jena Sims, and their toddler son. Crew by his side, Koepka aced the sixth hole, making him the third player to card a hole-in-one that day. The crowd roared, Crew giggled, and Koepka held him up triumphantly, a scene so joyful it felt straight out of a Disney movie.
It’s that very moment—Koepka lifting Crew up like Simba from The Lion King—that became the heart of a recent episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, where Jena Sims Koepka opened up about her changing relationship with the Par 3 Contest. They were all gushing over the adorable Crew. And honestly? So am I.
“I did the Par 3 for Brooks just as his fiancée, without a kid, and I’m like, ‘This is kind of lame,’” she admitted with a laugh, reflecting on her earlier experiences walking Augusta’s short course. “So having to chase Crew around and just seeing him like, ‘Hey!’—like, to the crowd—melted my heart. So cute.” The transformation from “kind of lame” to utterly unforgettable came with the arrival of Crew, who was born in 2023 and made his Par 3 debut in 2024. This year, with the toddler now full of personality and curiosity, Jena saw the event through new eyes. Gone was the notion of it being a ceremonial sideshow. In its place: a family-forward celebration that turned Augusta National’s most relaxed tradition into something deeply personal.
“It’s a different kind of fun,” she said on the podcast, responding to a question about what it was like experiencing the event now that Crew is a toddler. “It’s a little more challenging, but it was fun seeing his personality. And I feel like he just, like, stole the show.”
Jena’s recounting of Koepka’s ace is laced with disbelief and genuine emotion. She shared how, in a casual “Get Ready with Me” video before the contest, she joked that it would be “really cool if Brooks got a hole-in-one.” And then? It happened. “That was insane,” she said. “I still can’t believe that happened!” That magical swing on No. 6 wasn’t just a memorable shot. It symbolized a full-circle moment for the Koepka family. From competitive lows to parental highs, the 2025 Masters week captured the duality of a golfer’s life: chasing trophies on one side, cherishing time with loved ones on the other.
Ace on No. 6! Brooks Koepka is the third competitor to card a hole-in-one during today’s Par 3 Contest. #themasters pic.twitter.com/QcvGEHpeoC
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2025
Koepka himself summed it up best in a video posted by his LIV Golf team, Smash GC: “It obviously changed a lot. It’s more family now. It’s a cool event—I think it’s the only event in the world where people put their phone away all day for, which is cool to see. But I love it. It’s a good family event. It’s great to have them out there, and I look forward to having them in the future.”
Although Koepka missed the cut and spent the weekend outside the ropes, his son stole the spotlight and his wife beamed with pride, turning this Masters into more than just a tournament—it became a celebration of family and unforgettable memories. And if you ask Jena? Crew may be the real Koepka to watch going forward.
Still Chasing Green: LIV Golfers Shine at Augusta, But the Masters Win Remains Elusive
For all the firepower LIV Golf has assembled, the Green Jacket remains just out of reach. The 2025 Masters saw several of LIV Golf’s stars flash brilliance across Augusta National. But when the final putts dropped, tradition held strong. No LIV player was able to break through and claim golf’s most iconic prize while representing the upstart circuit. Patrick Reed led the LIV charge with a solo third-place finish. His round was highlighted by a thrilling hole-out eagle on the par-4 17th. It was a moment that brought echoes of his 2018 triumph. Bryson DeChambeau played in Sunday’s final group alongside eventual champion Rory McIlroy. He looked ready to make a serious run. But a 3-over 75 derailed his chances.
Jon Rahm, Bubba Watson, and Tyrrell Hatton also posted strong finishes. Their performances proved that LIV players can still compete at the highest level. Still, the stat remains unchanged. No LIV golfer has won the Masters while playing under the league’s banner. The streak grows heavier with each passing year. That’s especially true considering four of the past eight Masters winners. That includes: Rahm, Reed, Dustin Johnson, and Sergio Garcia—now tee it up for LIV. For now, the Green Jacket continues to elude the rebel tour. But its stars remain fixtures on the Augusta leaderboard.
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