Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights about his return in a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference before his comeback debut, 35-year-old professional golfer Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, answered questions. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not participated in a PGA Tour event. 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’m definitely a bit more nervous this week, simply because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”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 known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, the anticipation to be part of the tour life again is great. The main reason for his return was not sporting but personal. 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: \”They were difficult conversations, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and himself agreed that \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. The joy is all the greater 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.\” 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 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 everyone who made this possible.\”
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 return to the PGA Tour. \”I 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 explained that Woods was someone he could rely on in the past for advice and problems and that the call was \”the