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, answered questions. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka hadn’t played in a PGA Tour event. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly realized 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. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m very 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, he is excited to be part of the tour life again. The main reason for his return wasn’t sporting but personal. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Definitely my family. Much has happened in the last five or six months,\” he said. The decision to return came after intense discussions: \”Those were tough conversations, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he agreed \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” said Koepka. 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 next week too.\” 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’ve learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he stated. Yet, he looks forward with clear motivation: \”I’m 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 very grateful 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 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 really know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He added that Woods has been someone he could rely on for questions and problems in the past, and that call was \”the easiest decision\” for him.
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