Brooks Koepka admitted the first person he rang over the possibility of returning to the PGA TOUR following his release from LIV Golf was Tiger Woods.
The five-time major winner announced his departure from the Saudi-backed tour in December after playing on the circuit for over three years to prioritize spending more time with his family.
The 35-year-old has rejoined the PGA TOUR under the new Returning Member Program introduced to allow a certain number of ‘elite performers’ to make a return.
Woods serves as chairman of the PGA TOUR’s Future Competitions Committee and Koepka revealed he was the person he first called to discuss the situation.
“I think the 23rd (of December) I was released and then called Tiger right away, then that process got the ball rolling,” said Koepka ahead of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, his first appearance back on the circuit.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger. That was what I wanted to do once I had the opportunity to, I guess, get reinstated on the PGA TOUR.
“It was exciting and I kind of really didn’t know what to do. That was the first person that kind of came to mind.
“I didn’t know (the new commissioner) Brian (Rolapp), I didn’t have a relationship with him obviously just because he’s pretty new and Jay (Monahan, the previous incumbent) was going to be the next call.
“I felt like Tiger was somebody that I’ve relied on in the past for questions and answers and how to deal with things and I felt like that was maybe the most comfortable call for me.”
Koepka said he left LIV Golf due to “the needs of his family,” revealing that he first considered returning in September after his wife, Jena, suffered a miscarriage.
“I don’t regret anything I do. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve always enjoyed the ride no matter where I’m at.
“But at the same time, I’m excited for this new chapter, grateful to be out here. For Brian Rolapp, Jay, Tiger, everybody that was able to get me out here, I’m super grateful for it and I’m excited.
“I think the nervousness probably was more for this (press conference), to get this out of the way to be quite fair.
“I’m maybe a little bit ‘antsy’ to get to Thursday just so I can get back to playing golf and that’s where I feel the most comfortable but I was definitely nervous just for this.”