Golf celebrity Brooks Koepka has confronted the media for the primary time since his controversial exit from LIV golf and subsequent return to the PGA Tour.
FOX SPORTS, out there on Kayo Sports activities, is streaming The 2026 PGA Tour LIVE & Unique | New to Kayo? Be a part of now and get your first month for simply $1 >
The five-time main winner is about to make his high-profile return full when he tees off within the Farmers Insurance coverage Open at Torrey Pines this weekend – his first PGA Tour occasion exterior of the majors since 2022.
Koepka revealed throughout his 24-minute press convention that Tiger Woods was the primary individual he contacted when his exit from LIV was full with Koepka detailing his shut bond with Woods, the chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competitions Committee, as one of many causes for the cellphone name.
“LIV understood the choice and the place I used to be in, so on the twenty third (December) I used to be launched and I known as Tiger straight away, then that course of obtained the ball rolling,” Koepka stated.
“I’ve at all times had a superb relationship with Tiger. That was what I wished to do as soon as I had the chance to, I assume, get reinstated on the PGA Tour … I didn’t actually know what to do. That was the primary individual that sort of got here to thoughts.
“I didn’t know (incoming PGA Tour commissioner) Brian (Rolapp), I didn’t have a relationship with him clearly simply because he’s fairly new.
“I felt like Tiger was any individual that I’ve relied on up to now for questions and solutions and how one can cope with issues and I felt like that was possibly probably the most snug name for me.”
READ MORE
When Koepka makes his PGA return as big-name Aussies in $14m enhance — Tee instances
Blockbuster group revealed for Koepka’s PGA return as Aussie duo handed massive nod
It’s no secret that the previous six months have been significantly making an attempt for the Koepka household.
Koepka’s spouse Jena revealed again in October that she had a miscarriage and it was round that tough interval that Koepka started to push for a launch from LIV.
The 35-year-old stated his resolution to take action with a purpose to return to the solely American PGA Tour was due to his household.
“Quite a bit has gone on over the previous 5-6 months with my household, and that performed a giant, massive position in coming again,” he stated.
“Having conversations with my spouse, my staff led to having the ability to make that call to comeback. There have been robust conversations, but it surely was what was greatest for me and greatest for my household. And I feel that was the choice that my spouse, myself, everyone, my staff, thought that that was greatest as nicely
“My spouse is coming this week, my son is coming this week. They’re going to come back subsequent week as nicely, in order that might be tremendous thrilling to have them come out. Simply having my household round is de facto essential.
“I’ve grown up lots the previous couple of years and particularly the previous couple of months. With the ability to be near them is tremendous essential to me.”
Koepka doesn’t give off the impression he’s somebody who will get nervous on or off the course.
Given he has 5 majors to his identify, having the ability to quell nerves must be considered one of his best belongings.
Nonetheless, given the criticism he copped for initially defecting to LIV, Koepka admitted there has and might be some nerves within the lead as much as the Farmers.
I feel the nervousness in all probability was extra for this (press convention), to get this out of the way in which to be fairly truthful,” Koepka stated.
“I’m possibly a bit of bit antsy to get to Thursday simply so I can get again to taking part in golf and that’s the place I really feel probably the most snug however I used to be positively nervous only for this.
“Perhaps I’m a bit of nervous about that as nicely simply to see how, I assume, how the followers reply to it. I hope that they’re excited. I hope that they’re completely satisfied that I’m out right here.”