Brooks Koepka Opens Up on Family and Tiger Woods Ahead of PGA Tour Comeback
Five-time Major champion Brooks Koepka has candidly discussed the pivotal family reasons behind his departure from LIV Golf and the crucial role Tiger Woods played in facilitating his swift return to the PGA Tour. The American golfer is set to make his highly anticipated comeback at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines, California, marking his first PGA Tour event since 2022.
A Swift Transition Facilitated by Tiger Woods
Koepka revealed that immediately after being released from LIV Golf on December 23rd, he reached out to Tiger Woods, who now serves as the vice-chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises. This call set in motion his rapid reintegration under the new Returning Member Program. "I think on the 23rd I was released and then called Tiger right away, then that process got the ball rolling," Koepka explained. "I've always had a good relationship with Tiger. That was the first person that kind of came to mind."
Family at the Heart of the Decision
The primary driver for Koepka's return was deeply personal, stemming from family circumstances that unfolded around September, coinciding with the Ryder Cup week. His wife, Jena Sims, had suffered a miscarriage at 16 weeks in October, an event that significantly influenced their future plans. "It was about my family. A lot's gone on over the past five, six months with my family. That played a big role in coming back," Koepka stated, choosing not to delve into further detail but emphasising the shift in family dynamics.
This move allows Koepka's family, including his son Crew born in 2023, to travel with him more consistently. "I think that was one thing because they didn't travel too much over the last few years. But like they're going to be out this week, so I am super excited to be able to have them out," he added, highlighting the personal benefits of his PGA Tour return.
Navigating the Exit from LIV Golf
Koepka expressed gratitude towards LIV Golf leadership, including Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and CEO Scott O'Neil, for their handling of his departure. He leaves behind a lucrative five-year deal worth $150 million, signed in 2022, forfeiting $15 million for the final year and contributing $5 million to charity. Despite past injuries and uncertainties about his playing future when he initially left the PGA Tour, Koepka maintains no regrets. "I don't regret anything I do. I've learned a lot. I've always enjoyed the ride no matter where I'm at," he affirmed.
Eager to Compete Against Golf's Elite
As he prepares to tee off at Torrey Pines, Koepka is "nervous" about fan reactions but overwhelmingly excited to rejoin the PGA Tour fray. He specifically mentioned looking forward to competing against the "dominant" Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who now boasts five Majors. "I'm excited to battle with them. I think that will be really fun," Koepka said, acknowledging the challenge but relishing the opportunity to test his skills against the sport's current top performers.
While he will miss the "big traveling circus" of LIV Golf, Koepka appreciates the predominantly US-based schedule of the PGA Tour, contrasting with LIV's global itinerary that kicks off in Riyadh next week. His upcoming schedule includes the Phoenix Open, the Cognizant Classic, and The Players Championship, as he builds towards the Masters at Augusta. "Then try to play as much as I can I guess before leading up to Augusta," he concluded, setting his sights on the season's first Major.
