Brooks Koepka makes his return to the PGA Tour and shares insights on his reasons during a press conference.
At a press conference before his comeback debut on the PGA Tour, 35-year-old golf professional Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, answered questions. 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.
Koepka quickly realized 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 because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m very grateful 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. Nonetheless, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The main reason for his return was not athletic. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Clearly my family. A lot has happened in the last five, six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense discussions: \”These were tough conversations, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself agreed \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. He is especially happy 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 a lot in recent 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 learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he said. Nevertheless, he looks forward with clear 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 all who made this possible.\”
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 pursue 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 chance to play on the PGA Tour again, 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 is someone he could rely on for questions and problems in the past and that this call was \”the most comfortable decision\” for him.
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