Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights about 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, answered questions. Since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Koepka had not played any PGA Tour events. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka was quick to note: 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 openly. Yet, gratitude dominates: \”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, much is 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 tour life again. The most important reason for his return was not athletic but family-related. Koepka repeatedly emphasized his family’s role. \”Definitely my family. A lot has happened in the last five, six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense conversations: \”They were difficult talks, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he all agreed \”that it was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was having my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. The joy is even greater now that his wife and son can accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and also next week.\” In recent years, his perspective has changed greatly. \”I’ve grown a lot in the past 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 have always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Still, he looks forward with strong 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 very thankful 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 by LIV Golf and decided to seek reentry to the PGA Tour. \”I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I got the chance to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting, but honestly, I didn’t really know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He also added that Woods is someone he has been able to rely on in the past with questions and problems and that this call was \”the most comfortable decision\