Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares his reasons for returning during a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf pro Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke openly about his decision to return. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in 2022, Koepka had not participated in any PGA Tour events. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed the media for the first time since his return.
Koepka quickly admitted 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 candidly. Nonetheless, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m very 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 met in the last three to three and a half years,\” he explained. Still, he is excited to be part of the tour life again. The primary reason for his return was not athletic but personal. 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 intense conversations: \”Those were difficult discussions, but it was the best decision for me and my family.\” He, his wife, and his team agreed that \”this was the right choice.\”
\”What I missed most was the opportunity to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka said. He is delighted that his wife and son will now accompany him: \”My wife is coming this week, my son is coming this week and next week as well.\” Over the years his perspective has shifted significantly. \”I’ve grown a lot in the last years — especially 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. Still, he looks forward with noticeable motivation: \”I’m excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He expressed special thanks to those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) — I’m super grateful to all who made this happen.\”
The First Call Went to Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the first person Koepka called after being released from LIV Golf and deciding to seek reintegration into the PGA Tour. \”I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I got the chance to play on the PGA Tour again, it was exciting but honestly, I didn’t know quite what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He added that Woods was someone he had relied on for questions and problems in the past and that this call was \”the easiest decision\” for him.