Brooks Koepka takes the step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights about his reasons for returning in a press conference.
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 played a PGA Tour event. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed 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 bit 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 am 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 known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Still, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The main reason for his return was not athletic. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Clearly 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 conversations, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself were all in agreement that \”it was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. 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.\” In recent 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 palpable 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 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 seek re-entry onto the PGA Tour. \”I have always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I got the opportunity 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 is someone he has relied on in the past with questions and problems and that this call