Brooks Koepka steps back onto the PGA Tour and shares insights about 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, answered questions. Koepka hadn’t played a PGA Tour event since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
For Koepka, it quickly became 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 said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m super 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 met in the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, the excitement to be part of tour life again is great. The main 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, 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 agreed \”that it is the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the possibility to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. His 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 a lot in recent years. \”I have 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 always enjoyed the journey wherever I was,\” he explained. Still, 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’m super grateful to all who have enabled this.\”
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 reentry to the PGA Tour. \”I always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted exactly that. When I got the opportunity to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting but honestly, I didn’t know exactly what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He went on to say that Woods was someone he could rely on in the past for questions and problems and that this call was \”the most comfortable decision