Brooks Koepka takes the step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights on his reasons for returning in a press conference.
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. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not participated in any PGA Tour event. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
For Koepka it was quickly clear: 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 admitted openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m very thankful to be here again.\”
Brooks Koepka: \”Being close to my family is very important to me\”
After three and a half years absence from the PGA Tour, many things are 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 very excited to be part of the tour life again. The most important reason for his return was not sporting. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family: \”Definitely 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 was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was having the possibility to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. His joy is even greater that his wife and son can now accompany him: \”My wife comes this week, my son comes this week and also next week.\” Over the past years, his perspective has changed significantly. \”I’ve grown a lot in the last 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 visible 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 very thankful to all who made this possible.\”
The first call was to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called when he was released from LIV Golf and decided to aim for a comeback on the PGA Tour. \”I always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I had the chance to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting, but honestly I wasn’t sure what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka explained. He added that Woods was someone he has relied on in the past with questions and problems, and that this call was