Brooks Koepka’s long and controversial chapter with LIV Golf is officially closing – and his road back to the PGA Tour began with one familiar voice on the other end of the phone.
Ahead of his highly anticipated return at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, Koepka opened up during a press conference on January 27 about the personal and professional journey that led him away from LIV Golf and back to the PGA Tour. At the center of that decision was an early call to none other than Tiger Woods.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Tiger and I felt like that was what I wanted to do,” Koepka explained. “Once I had the opportunity to, I guess, get reinstated on the PGA Tour, it was exciting and I kind of didn’t really know what to do.”
For Koepka, the choice of who to call first wasn’t complicated. Despite leadership changes within the PGA Tour, Woods remained his most trusted sounding board.
“Tiger was the first person who came to mind,” Koepka said. “I didn’t know [PGA Tour CEO] Brian [Rolapp], I didn’t have a relationship with him obviously just because he’s pretty new. [Commissioner] Jay [Monahan] was going to be the next call. But I felt like Tiger was somebody that I have relied on in the past for questions and answers, and how to deal with things. I felt like that would be the most comfortable call for me.”
Why Koepka chose to leave LIV Golf behind
Koepka joined LIV Golf in 2022, becoming one of the highest-profile defectors to the Saudi-backed league. Now, after four years away, he’s returning to the PGA Tour with a noticeably reflective tone – but without regret.
“I don’t regret anything I do,” Koepka said. “I’ve learned a lot. I’ve always enjoyed the ride no matter where I’m at. And I think that’s one thing that you always learn from anything you’re doing.”
According to reports, Koepka and LIV Golf mutually agreed to end his contract in December 2025, parting ways on what was described as amicable terms. The move allows him to resume full-time competition on the PGA Tour, where he built much of his legacy as a multiple-time major champion.
Still, Koepka emphasized that this return is about more than golf.
Over the past year, his priorities have shifted significantly following deeply personal family challenges. In October 2025, his wife Jena Sims publicly shared that the couple experienced a pregnancy loss at 16 weeks. Koepka acknowledged that the emotional weight of that period influenced his decision to come home – literally and figuratively.
“A lot’s gone on over the past five, six months with my family,” Koepka said. “That played a big role into coming back. Then just having conversations with my wife, my team and being able to make that decision to come back was-I guess tough conversations, but it was what was best for me and best for my family.”
He added: “I think that was a decision that my wife, myself, everybody, my team thought that that was best as well.”
Grateful for a second chapter on Tour for Koepka
Now officially reinstated, Koepka expressed appreciation to everyone who helped make his return possible – including Woods, Monahan, and Rolapp.
“I’m excited for this new chapter, and grateful to be out here, and for Brian Rolapp, Jay, Tiger, everybody that was able to get me out here,” Koepka said. “I’m super grateful for it and I’m excited.”
Koepka’s comeback will begin this week at the Farmers Insurance Open, running from January 29 through February 1 at Torrey Pines – a venue that has historically rewarded elite ball-striking and major-championship composure.
For a player who has never shied away from pressure, the stage feels fitting.
And with Tiger Woods once again quietly in his corner, Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour may be just beginning to write its next defining chapter.
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