Brooks Koepka makes his return to the PGA Tour and shares insights on his reasons during a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf pro Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly. Since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Koepka had not competed in a PGA Tour event. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his return.
For Koepka, it was clear: 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 simply because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”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 for Koepka. \”There are a lot of guys I haven’t met in the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is excited to be part of the tour life again. The main reason for his return was not sports-related. 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 discussions, 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 the most was the opportunity to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. Even greater is the joy 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.\” In recent years, his perspective has changed significantly. \”I have 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 always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Still, he looks forward with noticeable motivation: \”I am 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 am very 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 by LIV Golf and decided to seek a return 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 quite know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He added that Woods was someone he could rely on for questions and problems in the past and that this call was \”the most comfortable decision