Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has garnered excitement, with fellow golfer Tiger Woods expressing his enthusiasm for the five-time major champion’s comeback. Following the announcement of a new Returning Member Program, Woods described Koepka’s return as “incredible” for both the tour and its fans. He made these remarks on Tuesday night ahead of a TGL match involving his team, Jupiter Links, against New York.
The announcement comes after Koepka officially exited LIV Golf last month. The PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program allows players who have won a major championship or the Players Championship since 2022 to rejoin the tour. Koepka, who won the 2023 PGA Championship, is one of the eligible players and must finalize his return by February 2, 2025. The program stipulates certain conditions and includes significant financial penalties for those who choose to return.
While Koepka prepares to re-enter the competitive landscape, other notable golfers such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith have also been deemed eligible under the new program. However, they have confirmed their commitment to LIV Golf, leaving Koepka as a prominent figure in the PGA’s revival narrative.
Koepka’s return is set for the Farmers Insurance Open at the end of January, followed by the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale the following week. Woods, who chairs the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, noted that discussions regarding the pathway program intensified over the holiday season, culminating in the announcement earlier this week.
Woods remarked, “There’s some punitive damages there, but it’s a meritocracy; that’s what makes our game so great.” He emphasized that if Koepka performs well, he has the opportunity to compete in signature events, reinforcing the competitive nature of the PGA Tour.
While Woods celebrates Koepka’s return, he faces uncertainty regarding his own comeback. Recently turning 50, Woods underwent his seventh back surgery on October 10, 2024, to address ongoing pain and mobility issues. Currently, he has been cleared to practice with short- and mid-irons but acknowledges that re-entering competitive play will require significant preparation.
Woods stated, “Whenever that time comes when I start hitting drivers… I will have been away from the game for a year and a half.” He last competed in a PGA Tour event at the Open Championship in July 2024. The golfer admitted that he will need to adapt his training regimen due to the physical demands of returning to the sport.
For now, Woods is focused on supporting his team, Jupiter Links, which had a challenging debut season in TGL, finishing with a record of 1-4. He expressed optimism for the team’s future, saying, “There’s only way to go, and it’s up.” Woods humorously referenced their struggles, likening them to the “Bad News Bears,” and expressed a desire to improve in the upcoming season.
As the PGA Tour evolves with the return of talented players like Koepka, the anticipation builds for a competitive season ahead, with fans eager to witness the best in the sport.
