Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights into his reasons for returning at a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old professional golfer Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not played in any 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 little different. I’m definitely a bit more nervous this week, simply because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said candidly. Yet he is filled with gratitude: \”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, 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 sporting. 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 was the result of intense discussions: \”Those were difficult talks, 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 chance to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. His joy is even greater now that his wife and son can accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and next week as well.\” His perspective has changed a lot in recent years. \”I’ve grown a lot over the past few 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. Still, he looks forward with strong 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 really grateful to everyone who made this happen.\”
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 pursue 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 quite know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods was someone he could rely on in the past for questions and problems, and that making that call was \”the most comfortable decision\”.