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 professional golfer Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, answered questions. Koepka had not played a PGA Tour event since the 2022 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion spoke to the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly made it clear: 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, 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 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 known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Still, the excitement to be part of tour life again is great. 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 \”it was the right decision.\”
\”What I missed the most was the opportunity to have my family with me all the time,\” said Koepka. He is especially happy 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.\” In recent years, his perspective has changed strongly. \”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 learned a lot and always enjoyed the journey, no matter where I was,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he looks ahead with palpable 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 grateful to all who made this possible.\”
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 have 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 know exactly what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods was someone he could rely on for questions and problems in the past and that this call was \”the