Brooks Koepka takes a significant step back to the PGA Tour, sharing his reasons for returning in a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference before his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf professional Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly. 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.
For Koepka, the comeback felt 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. Yet gratitude outweighs the nerves: \”But it feels good. I’m super 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, much is new for Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known for the last three to three and a half years,\” he explained. Still, the anticipation to be part of tour life again is huge. The primary reason for his return was not athletic. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Definitely my family. A lot has happened in the past five to six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense discussions: \”Those were difficult talks, but it was the best decision for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he agreed that \”this is 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 also next week.\” Over the past years, his perspective has changed greatly. \”I’ve grown a lot in recent years – especially in the past months. Being close to my family is very important to me.\”
Looking back, Koepka has no regrets about his path. \”I have learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he looks forward with clear motivation: \”I’m 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’m super grateful to all who enabled this.\”
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 re-entry to the PGA Tour. \”I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted exactly that. When I got the opportunity 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 added that Woods has been someone he could rely on in the past for questions and problems, and that call was \”the most comfortable decision\” for him.