Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights in a press conference about his reasons for returning.
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 about his return. Since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Koepka had not participated in any PGA Tour events. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly realized this comeback felt different, even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a bit different. I am definitely a bit more nervous this week simply because I’m coming back,\” Koepka admitted. Still, gratitude dominates his feelings: \”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 known for the last three to 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 conversations, but it was the best decision for me and my family.\” His wife, team, and himself agreed it was \”the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka added. The joy is even 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 significantly over the past years. \”I have 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 said. Still, he looks forward with clear 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 super grateful to everyone who made this happen.\”
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 comeback on the PGA Tour. \”I 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 is someone he has relied on in the past with questions and problems, and that call was \”the easiest decision\