Brooks Koepka makes his return to the PGA Tour and shares insights into his reasons during 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. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in 2022, Koepka had not competed in any PGA Tour events. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly realized this comeback felt 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. At the same time, gratitude outweighed nerves: \”But it feels good. I’m super thankful 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 has changed for Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known over the past three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The main reason for his return was not sporting but personal. 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 came after 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 is the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka added. He is especially joyful that his wife and son can accompany him now: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and next week as well.\” 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 learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he said. Still, he looks forward with visible 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 am super thankful to all who made this possible.\”
The First Call Was to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called after being released from LIV Golf and deciding to pursue re-entry 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 was someone he had relied on in the past for questions and problems, and that call was \”the most comfortable decision