Brooks Koepka takes the step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights in a press conference about his reasons for returning.
At a PGA Tour press conference before his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf pro Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly. Koepka hadn’t played a PGA Tour event since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke with 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 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 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, much is new for Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known in the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, the excitement about being part of tour life again is great. The main reason for his return was not related to sports. 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 he 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. The joy is all the 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.\” His perspective has changed greatly in recent years. \”I’ve grown a lot over the last few 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’ve learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Still, he looks ahead with palpable motivation: \”I’m excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He particularly thanked those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) – I’m very grateful to all 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 re-entry 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 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 was someone he has relied on in the past with questions and problems, and that this call was \”the most comfortable decision\” for