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, spoke openly. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 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 made it clear 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,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude dominates: \”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 met in the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The most important reason for his return was not sporting. 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 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 said. Even greater is the joy 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.\” In recent years, his perspective has greatly changed. \”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’ve learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Still, he looks ahead with noticeable 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 grateful to all who made this possible.\”
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’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted exactly that. When I got the opportunity to play on the PGA Tour again, 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 call was \”the most comfortable decision\