Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour, sharing his reasons for returning in a press conference.
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. Koepka had not competed in a PGA Tour event since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his comeback.
Koepka quickly acknowledged that 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, just because I’m coming back,\” he said candidly. Yet, 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 to Koepka. \”There are a lot of guys I haven’t met in the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The key reason for his return was not athletic. 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 resulted from intense discussions: \”Those were tough talks, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he all agreed it was the right decision.
\”What I missed most was having my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. He is especially happy that his wife and son can now accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and next week as well.\” His perspective has changed significantly in recent years. \”I have grown a lot—especially in recent months. Being close to my family is very important to me.\”
Reflecting back, Koepka has no regrets about his path. \”I learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey wherever I was,\” he said. Still, he looks ahead with clear motivation: \”I’m excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He thanked everyone who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods)—I’m super grateful to all who made this happen.\”
The First Call Went to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called after being released from LIV Golf and deciding to pursue a PGA Tour return. \”I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted 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 has been someone he could rely on for advice and support in the past and that this call was \”the easiest decision\” for him.
Koepka says he first seriously considered returning to the PGA Tour around the time of the Ryder Cup in