Brooks Koepka takes a step back to the PGA Tour and shares insights into his reasons for returning at 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, spoke candidly. Since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2022, Koepka had not competed in a PGA Tour event. On Tuesday morning, the five-time major champion addressed 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 prevailed: “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 met in the last three, three and a half years,” he explained. Nevertheless, he eagerly looks forward to being part of tour life again. The main 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 resulted from 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 is the right decision.”
“What I missed the most was the opportunity to have my family with me all the time,” said Koepka. 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 next week too.” His perspective has changed greatly over the years. “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. Still, he looks forward with palpable motivation: “I am excited about this new chapter and thankful 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 seek 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 chance to play again on the PGA Tour, it was exciting but, honestly, I didn’t really know what to do. Tiger was the first person I thought of,” Koepka said. He further explained that Woods has been someone he could rely on in the past with questions and problems and that this call was “