Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights in a press conference about his reasons for returning.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, the 35-year-old golf professional Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, answered questions. Koepka hadn’t 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 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, simply because I’m coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude predominates: \”But it feels good. I’m super 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 known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, he is very much looking forward to being part of tour life again. The most important 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, six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense discussions: \”These were difficult talks, 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 ability to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. All the 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 also next week.\” In recent 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 enabled this.\”
The first call went to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person he called when he was released by 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 wasn’t quite sure what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods is someone he has relied on in the past for questions and problems and that this call was