Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights on his reasons for returning in a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old professional golfer Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly about his return. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not competed in any PGA Tour events. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly made it clear: this comeback feels different, even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a bit different. I’m definitely a bit more nervous this week simply because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said candidly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m very thankful to be here again.\”
Brooks Koepka: “Being Close to My Family Is Very Important to Me”
After three and a half years away from the PGA Tour, many things are new for Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known for the past three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is very much looking forward to being part of the tour life again. The main reason for his return was not sporting in nature. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Definitely my family. A lot has happened in the last five, six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense discussions: \”Those were difficult conversations, but it was the best decision for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself agreed that \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. All the more joyful is the fact that his wife and son can now accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and also next week.\” His perspective has changed greatly over the past years. \”I have grown a lot in recent years – especially in the last months. Being close to my family is very important to me.\”
Looking back, Koepka does not regret his path. \”I have learned a lot and enjoyed the journey wherever I was,\” he said. Still, he looks forward with noticeable motivation: \”I am excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He particularly thanked those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) – I am very thankful to all who enabled this.\”
The First Call Was to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called when he was released from LIV Golf and decided to pursue a re-entry into the PGA Tour. \”I always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I had the chance to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting but honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods