Brooks Koepka revealed that Tiger Woods was the first person he called to discuss returning to the PGA Tour when he was released from his LIV contract.
The five-time major champion ended his contract with the Saudi Arabian breakaway series a year early because he wanted to spend more time at home with his family.
Woods, a 15-time major winner and chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, remains a player respected by his contemporaries, and Koepka knew he would be his first point of contact.
“I think I got released on the 23rd[of December]and immediately called Tiger. That process started the ball moving,” Koepka said ahead of his first tournament back, the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting Thursday.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger. If I ever had the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour, that’s what I wanted to do.”
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Tiger Woods says Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour is important to the game, explaining that fans want to see the best players competing, adding that it will strengthen competition at the top level.
“It was very exciting and I had no idea what to do. The first person that came to mind was that guy.
“I didn’t know (new commissioner) Brian (Rolup). I obviously didn’t have anything to do with him because he was fairly new and the next person to be nominated was Jay (Monahan, former incumbent).”
“I felt like Tiger was someone I had always trusted with questions and answers and how to handle things, and I felt like that might have been the most comfortable call for me.”
Koepka said he began considering a return around the Ryder Cup in September due to family issues, but his wife Jena revealed in October that she had suffered a miscarriage.
However, once he made his decision and agreed to a release with LIV, his return was realized within weeks. That’s because the PGA Tour literally rewrote the rules to open up a very specific window for him and fellow defectors Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith to return.
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Players weigh in on Brooks Koepka returning to PGA Tour under new returning member program after leaving LIV Golf
“I don’t regret anything I’ve done. I’ve learned a lot. I always have fun wherever I am,” Koepka added, admitting he was nervous ahead of his first event back.
“At the same time, I’m excited about this new chapter and I’m grateful to be out here. Brian Rolup, Jay, Tiger, everyone who was able to get me out here, I’m so grateful and excited.”
“I think the reason I was nervous was probably to make this (press conference) fair.
“I might be a little bit ‘anxious’ going into Thursday to get back to playing golf and that’s where I’m most comfortable, but I was definitely nervous just for this.”
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Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir talks about why Brooks Koepka has been allowed to return to the PGA Tour under the new returning membership program after leaving LIV Golf
Asked if he thought the rift between LIV and the PGA Tour, which reached a framework agreement nearly three years ago but has yet to materialize, can be repaired, Koepka said, “I have no idea.”
“I’m not involved in the discussions on both sides. It’s out of my hands and my job is to go play golf and tee it up on Thursday.”
McIlroy: LIV players aren’t getting everything they wanted
Rory McIlroy believes some players in the LIV Golf League may feel they are “not getting everything they wanted” on the circuit following Koepka’s decision to return to the PGA Tour.
“I think this says more about Brooks than anything else,” McIlroy said after Monday night’s victory at Boston Common Golf. “He’s obviously a very competitive person and wants to compete at the highest level.
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Rory McIlroy leads Boston Common to yet another victory in TGL Season 2, achieving longest drive in TGL history
“I think he made the decision because he thought that competing at the highest level meant going back to the PGA Tour. You’ve seen other people say this recently. Patrick Reed said it last week in Dubai.”
“I think some of them are starting to realize that they’re not getting everything they wanted going over there. That’s obviously a great thing for the PGA Tour.”
“Mr. Koepka’s return should be welcomed.”
Sky Sports Golf’s Rob Lee said on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast:
“LIV Golf has fallen from the sky, which is why there is a $20 million (£14.5 million) signature event for anyone wanting to sample Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour.
“Everyone should welcome Koepka back, because the PGA Tour wants to be the best of the best, attracting the best players and the most attention around the world. Brooks Koepka still has that charm of being a top player with a bit of arrogance.”
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“The camera loves him and he’s an interesting guy. He feels like he’s a lone stallion in the field. You can’t have any other horses in the field where he roams.”
“Koepka never spoke ill of the PGA Tour when he went to LIV Golf. If he thought he was going to last 10 years on the PGA Tour, I don’t think he would have even gone there, because when he went to LIV Golf he wasn’t doing very well injury-wise.”
“For someone who plays LIV and can’t make it to PGA Tour Golf, watching Scheffler play at the Amex should make you think you’re missing out on a lot. You’re not going to grow as a player by staying in LIV Golf, and Koepka absolutely knows that.”
“I think he (Koepka) missed that and I think everyone on that practice field should welcome Brooks Koepka back.”
Who will win the Farmers Insurance Open? Watch live all week on Sky Sports. Sky Sports Golf will have early coverage starting at 5pm on Thursday, ahead of full coverage from 8pm. Get Sky Sports now and stream without a contract.
