Koepka ‘rang Woods first’ over PGA Tour return

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has revealed that Tiger Woods was the very first person he contacted when he began considering a return to the PGA Tour, following his departure from the LIV Golf series. The American star admitted the decision marked an emotional and uncertain moment in his career, as he prepared to rejoin the traditional tour after two years away.

Koepka initially left the PGA Tour in 2022 to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, a move that reshaped professional golf and sparked intense debate across the sport. Lured by lucrative contracts and a fresh competitive format, Koepka became one of the most high-profile players to defect. However, in December, he officially exited LIV Golf despite still having one year remaining on his contract.

Now 35, Koepka has been reinstated on the PGA Tour through a newly introduced returning member programme, allowing former players to rejoin the circuit under specific conditions. As he prepares for his first PGA Tour appearance since his return at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, Koepka admitted feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves.

Reflecting on the moment his future became clear, Koepka explained how quickly Woods came to mind.

“I think it was the 23rd of December when I was officially released,” Koepka said. “I called Tiger straight away. From there, everything kind of started to fall into place.”

The decision to reach out to Woods was rooted in respect and trust. Koepka has long spoken about the influence Woods has had on his career, not just as a golfing icon, but as a mentor figure and source of guidance.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger,” Koepka added. “When the opportunity came to get reinstated on the PGA Tour, that was exactly what I wanted to do. He was the first person who came to mind.”

Koepka admitted the transition back to the PGA Tour felt surreal at first. After spending two seasons in a different competitive environment, returning to familiar territory came with uncertainty.

“It was exciting, but at the same time, I didn’t really know what to do,” he said. “It’s a big change, and when you’re facing something like that, you want advice from someone who’s been through everything the game can throw at you.”

Woods, widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time, has previously spoken about the importance of loyalty to the PGA Tour, but he has also maintained personal relationships with players who joined LIV Golf. Koepka’s decision to contact him underscores the mutual respect between the two major champions.

The Farmers Insurance Open marks an important milestone in Koepka’s comeback. Torrey Pines has been a significant venue in his career and offers a familiar setting as he attempts to rebuild momentum on the PGA Tour. Koepka acknowledged that stepping back onto the tour brought understandable nerves.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” he admitted. “It’s my first event back, and you want to prove to yourself and everyone else that you belong here and that you made the right decision.”

Koepka’s return is being closely watched across the golfing world, particularly as the divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour continues to shape the sport’s future. His move may encourage further dialogue about player movement and the long-term structure of professional golf.

Despite the challenges, Koepka remains optimistic. His major-winning pedigree, competitive edge and experience under pressure make him one of the most formidable players of his generation. With five major titles to his name, he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

For Koepka, however, the decision to return was about more than trophies or rankings. It was about feeling aligned with the path he wanted to take in the latter stages of his career.

“I just wanted to do what felt right,” he said. “Once the door opened, I didn’t hesitate.”

As Koepka tees it up once again on the PGA Tour, all eyes will be on how he adapts, performs and reintegrates into a field that has evolved during his absence. Whatever the outcome, his return adds another compelling chapter to an already remarkable career.

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