Brooks Koepka takes the step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights into 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 about his motivations. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not played any PGA Tour events. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly admitted: this comeback felt different even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a bit different. I’m definitely a bit more nervous this week just because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said. At the same time, gratitude prevailed: \”But it feels good. I’m super grateful 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 to Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Still, he is very much looking forward to being part of tour life again. The main reason for his return was not sporting. 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 discussions: \”Those were difficult talks, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and himself 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. Hence the joy that his wife and son can now accompany him is even greater: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and also next week.\” His perspective has changed significantly over the past years. \”I’ve 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 explained. Nevertheless, 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 super grateful to everyone 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 seek a re-entry to the PGA Tour. \”I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted exactly that. When I got the chance to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting, but to be honest, I didn’t quite know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods had been someone he could rely on in the past for questions and problems and that this call was \”the easiest decision\” for him.