Tiger Woods Endorses Brooks Koepka’s PGA TOUR Return, Hails "Best vs. Best" Outcome
In a significant endorsement of the PGA TOUR’s reintegration strategy, Tiger Woods expressed strong approval of Brooks Koepka’s decision to return via the Tour’s Returning Members Program (RMP), a policy Woods helped shape as chairman of the Future Competition Committee.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s TGL match, Woods told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt that Koepka’s comeback is “incredible for the TOUR,” emphasizing the fundamental appeal of elite competition. “The fans want to see the best play against the best, and for Brooks to want to come back a year early, he was able to do that,” Woods said, noting the intensive behind-the-scenes efforts to facilitate the move. “We worked through Christmas and through the early part of the year.”
Koepka, a five-time major champion, is set to make his return at the Farmers Insurance Open later this month, followed by a appearance at the WM Phoenix Open, where he is a two-time champion. His return follows the departure of several other LIV Golf stars—Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith—who confirmed Tuesday they would remain with the rival tour.
Woods’ public support underscores the strategic importance of the RMP in navigating golf’s fragmented landscape and restoring star power to the PGA TOUR’s fields. The move signals a cautious thaw in the sport’s cold war, with the game’s most influential figure championing the value of unification at the highest level.
