Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights in a press conference about his reasons for returning.
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. Koepka had not played 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 that 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 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, many things are new to Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known for the past three to three and a half years,\” he explained. Nonetheless, he is excited to be part of tour life again. The most important 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 to six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intensive discussions: \”Those were difficult conversations, but it was the best for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and he himself agreed that \”this was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the possibility 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.\” In recent years, his perspective has changed greatly. \”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 wherever I was,\” he explained. Nevertheless, 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 very thankful to everyone who made this possible.\”
The First Call Went to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called when he was released from LIV Golf and decided to pursue re-entry 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 didn’t quite know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods is someone he has relied on for questions and problems in the past and that this call was \”the most comfortable decision