Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights on his reasons for returning at a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf professional Brooks Koepka, who returns from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not played in a PGA Tour event. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
For Koepka, it quickly became clear: this comeback feels different, even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a little 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 back here.\”
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 last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is excited to be part of the Tour life again. The main reason for his return was not sports-related. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Clearly my family. A lot has happened in the last five or six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense conversations: \”Those were difficult talks, but it was the best thing for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself agreed that \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. The joy is even greater that his wife and son can now accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and next week as well.\” Over the past years, his perspective has changed greatly. \”I have grown a lot in recent years — especially in recent 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 always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Still, he looks forward with noticeable motivation: \”I am excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He especially thanked those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) — I am very grateful to everyone who made this happen.\”
The First Call Went to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called when he was released from LIV Golf and decided to seek a return to the PGA Tour. \”I have always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I got the opportunity to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting, but honestly, I didn’t quite know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He added that Woods was someone he could rely on in the past for questions