Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour, sharing insights on his reasons for returning during a press conference.
At a PGA Tour press conference ahead of his comeback debut, 35-year-old golf professional Brooks Koepka, returning from the LIV Golf League, spoke candidly. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka hadn’t 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 made it clear that this comeback feels different, even for a five-time major winner. \”I think it feels a little different. I am definitely a bit more nervous this week, simply because I am coming back,\” Koepka said openly. At the same time, gratitude prevails: \”But it feels good. I’m super thankful 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, many things are new to Koepka. \”There are many guys I haven’t known for the last three, three and a half years,\” he explained. Nevertheless, the anticipation of being 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 or six months,\” he said. The decision to return was the result of intense discussions: \”These were difficult talks, but it was the best decision for me and my family.\” His wife, his team, and himself agreed that \”this is the right decision.\”
\”What I missed most was being able to have my family with me all the time,\” Koepka added. His joy is even greater as 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 said. Yet, he looks forward with noticeable motivation: \”I am excited about this new chapter and grateful to be here.\” He particularly thanked those who made his return possible: \”Brian Rolapp, Jay (Monahan), Tiger (Woods) — I am very thankful to all who enabled this.\”
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 have always had a good relationship with Tiger and wanted to do exactly that. When I got the opportunity to play on the PGA Tour again, it was exciting, but honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,\” Koepka said. He added that Woods is someone he has relied on in the past for questions and problems and that this call was \