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 professional 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 events. 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 bit different. I am 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 am very 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, 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, the excitement to be part of the tour life again is great. 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 past 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 for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself agreed that \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. All the more joyful is the fact 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.\” Over the past years, his perspective has changed significantly. \”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, no matter where I was,\” he said. Nevertheless, 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 am super 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 pursue a return to the PGA Tour. \”I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted exactly that. When I got the opportunity to be allowed to play on the PGA Tour again, it was exciting, but honestly, I didn’t really know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods has been someone he