Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights on 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, answered questions. He had not competed in a PGA Tour event since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022. 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 bit different. I’m definitely a bit more nervous this week simply because I’m coming back,’ Koepka said frankly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: ‘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, many things are new to Koepka. ‘There are many guys I don’t know from the past 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 was not sports-related. 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 intensive discussions: ‘Those were difficult talks, but it was the best for me and my family.’ His wife, his team, and he all agreed ‘that it is the right decision.’
‘What I missed most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,’ Koepka said. He is even happier 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.’ His perspective has changed greatly over the years. ‘I’ve grown a lot in the past years – especially in recent 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 explained. Still, he looks forward with noticeable 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 super thankful to all who enabled this.’
The first call was to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person he called when he was released from LIV Golf and decided to pursue a return to the PGA Tour. ‘I always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I had 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 one I thought of,’ Koepka said. He added that Woods was someone he relied on in the past for questions and problems, and that call was ‘the most comfortable decision’ for him.