Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights on his reasons for returning in a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference before his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf pro Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke candidly. Since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Koepka had not participated in a PGA Tour event. Tuesday morning marked his first media appearance since his return.
Koepka quickly noted: 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,\” Koepka admitted openly. Yet gratitude prevailed: \”But it feels good. I’m super thankful to be here again.\”
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 many guys I don’t know from the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Still, his excitement about rejoining tour life is immense. The primary reason for his return was not athletic; repeatedly Koepka emphasized his family’s role. \”Definitely my family. A lot has happened in the past five, six months,\” he said. The decision to return came after intense discussions: \”They were tough talks, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he agreed it was the right decision.
\”What I missed most was the chance to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka added. The 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 also next week.\” In recent years, his perspective has changed significantly. \”I’ve grown a lot in the last years—especially recently. Being close to my family is very important to me.\”
Looking back, Koepka does not regret his path. \”I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed the journey wherever I was,\” he said. Yet he looks ahead with clear 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 super thankful to all 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 PGA Tour comeback. \”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 wasn’t sure what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further elaborated that Woods has been someone he relied on in past questions and problems, and that call was \”the most comfortable decision\” for him.
Koepka said he first seriously considered returning to the PGA Tour around September at the time of the Ryder Cup. Since then, rumors about leaving LIV