Brooks Koepka makes his return to the PGA Tour and shares insights in a press conference about his reasons for coming back.
At a PGA Tour press conference before his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf professional Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, answered questions. He had not played a PGA Tour event since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke with the media for the first time since his return.
For Koepka, it quickly became clear: this comeback feels different even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a bit different. I am definitely a bit more nervous this week, simply because I am coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I am very 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 for Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t met in the last three to three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is very much looking forward to being part of tour life again. The main reason for his return was not sporting in nature. Koepka repeatedly emphasized the role of his family. \”Clearly my family. A lot has happened in the last five or six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intensive discussions: \”Those were difficult talks, but it was the best thing for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and himself were all in agreement that \”this is the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was the possibility to have my family with me all the time,\” said Koepka. His joy is even greater 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 significantly in recent years. \”I have grown a lot in the past 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 have learned a lot and enjoyed the journey no matter where I was,\” he stated. Nonetheless, he looks forward with palpable motivation: \”I am excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He gave special thanks to those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) – I am very thankful to all who enabled this.\”
The First Call Went 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 to do precisely that. When I got the opportunity to play on the PGA Tour again, it was exciting, but honestly, I wasn’t sure what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He added that Woods is someone he has relied on in the past for questions and problems and that this