Brooks Koepka’s First Call After Leaving LIV Golf? Tiger Woods

For the first time since March 2022, Brooks Koepka is playing an event on the PGA TOUR this week. After a several-year hiatus with LIV Golf, the five-time major champion makes his return at the Farmers Insurance Open.

During a wide-ranging chat with the media at Torrey Pines on Tuesday, Koepka gave some insight on what happened immediately following his departure from the Saudi-backed circuit. Spoiler alert: he called the GOAT.

“I think the 23rd I was released and then called Tiger right away, then that process got the ball rolling,” Koepka said.

Why was Tiger the first number he dialed?

“I've always had a good relationship with Tiger,” Koepka said. “I felt like that was—that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to—once I had the opportunity to, I guess, get reinstated on PGA TOUR, it was exciting and kind of really didn't know what to do.

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“That was the first person that kind of came to mind. I didn't know Brian (Rolapp), I didn't have a relationship with him, obviously, just because he's pretty new. And Jay, Jay 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 admitted he was “antsy” to get to Thursday so he can go back to playing golf, and he’ll do that alongside Max Homa and Ludvig Aberg. That trio will be one of the featured groups for the first two rounds, and you won’t miss any of the action thanks to ESPN adding coverage from 1-3 p.m. ET.

Despite his not-so-great history at the Farmers, it’s been awhile since I’ve been this excited about an upcoming Thursday afternoon.

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