Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — World No. 1 Brooks Koepka is in a defiant mood ahead of his return to Saudi International in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) as the Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers makes a comeback to the Kingdom from Jan. 30 – Feb. 2.
“Having played in Saudi Arabia last year, I know the positive effect the tournament had on the country,” he said. Referring to his comeback after injury, he said: “I’ve come back from injury well before — it gives you a chance to recharge.”
Excerpts from Koepka’s recent interview.
Q. You’re currently on the verge of breaking into the top 10 players to have spent longest at world #1. What does that mean to you and are records something you’re driven by?
A. It’s great to be world No. 1, and I want to stay there but being No. 1 is really a by-product of playing well, which is my first aim. There are lots of other world-class golfers playing well at the moment and this week is a good chance to win some valuable points to keep me at the top.
Q. Your often-discussed record in majors proves that you are a golfer who can play arguably his best golf under the greatest of pressures. Where do you think this coolness on the big stage comes from?
A. I think it’s just because I am very competitive, and I love to win. No athlete plays a sport just to take part: everyone wants to win. That drives me to play my best golf when it really matters. I also work hard off the course so that I am as prepared as I can be when I get into the heat of competition.
Q. The Saudi International marks your second tournament back from injury (knee). How are you feeling heading into it?
A. I’m feeling really good. It’s going to be my second tournament since October, so I am excited to get back on the course and compete against some of the world’s best players. It’s never a good thing being injured but I’ve come back from injury well before. In some ways it gives you a chance to recharge and start the new year fresh.
Q. Does an injury like the one you’ve experienced change your mindset when you return?
A. I’m playing to win. Once I’m on the course, I forget everything else and just play golf. I didn’t play my best golf here last year so I’m ready for a strong finish in Saudi.
Q. How important is it for golf to be coming to Saudi Arabia and bringing the game into a new market?
A. It’s great to see the game growing worldwide and having played in Saudi Arabia last year, I know the positive effect the tournament had on the country.
Q. What do you hope to learn from Saudi Arabia during your time competing and how excited are you about playing in the tournament?
A. I am really looking forward to playing at Royal Greens again as I thought the layout was really impressive. I hope my experience playing in this event last year will allow me to contend for this year’s title.
Q. More young people in Saudi Arabia are watching sport or taking up sport. What would you say to encourage them to take up golf and what can they learn from the sport?
A. It’s great to see so many young people wanting to get into the game. If you enjoy watching it, you will certainly love playing it.
Q. What’s the ambition for 2020 after such strong seasons in 2018 and 2019?
A. Right now, I just want to get back playing. I’m looking forward to a strong season and being in contention in all of the tournaments I play in, which come September will put me in a strong position for the Ryder Cup. As far as I am concerned, the Saudi International is the most important tournament in front of me right now.
Q. Many people in Saudi Arabia will not have attended a golf championship. What can they expect, and what do fans get from watching the golf live and up close that is just impossible to experience through the TV?
A. I think coming to a golf event is the best way to watch the game. You are part of the event, you can see exactly what the players are going through at any point. You can also follow your favorite golfers around the course all day, which sometimes the TV doesn’t do depending on who you want to follow.
