Jan 27 (Reuters) – When Brooks Koepka got his release from LIV Golf late last year, which set in motion his eventual return to the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods was the first person who came to mind for a phone call.
Koepka is making his PGA Tour return this week at Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open, two weeks after the five-time major winner was reinstated through a returning-member program designed to bring elite players back to the U.S.-based circuit.
Speaking at his pre-tournament news conference on Tuesday in San Diego, Koepka revealed 15-time major winner Woods was top of mind for a call after he managed to leave LIV.
“Yeah, called him,” said Koepka. “Once I had the opportunity to I guess get reinstated on the PGA Tour, it was exciting and kind of really didn’t know what to do. That was the first person that kind of came to mind.
“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.”
Former world number one Koepka, who had one year remaining on his LIV contract according to media reports, also said he decided to leave the breakaway circuit so he could spend more time at home with family.
The 35-year-old American, who was one of the top players to join the lucrative LIV Golf circuit, said he had no regrets, despite the twists and turns between tours.
“I don’t regret anything I do. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve always enjoyed the ride no matter where I’m at… You also learn from anything, anything you’re doing, so I have no regrets,” said Koepka.
“But at the same time, I’m excited for this new chapter.”
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in TorontoEditing by Toby Davis)
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