Tiger Woods is applauding the return of fellow major champion Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour while offering a candid update on his own playing prospects.
Koepka, a five‑time major winner, has accepted terms to rejoin the PGA Tour under a newly established Returning Member Program that allows certain players who left for LIV Golf to come back. The move, which includes penalties such as forfeiting participation in the tour’s equity bonus system and a significant charitable donation, reflects both commitment to competition and a willingness to re‑earn status at the sport’s highest level. Koepka is slated to tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open later this month, marking his first full PGA Tour start in years.
Woods, who has been observing from the sidelines as he continues his recovery from back surgery, called Koepka’s return “incredible for all the fans” and said it strengthens the tour by bringing elite competitors back into regular fields. He framed the reinstatement as a positive development for the game, aligning with golf’s meritocratic traditions.
While some eligible stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith have opted to remain with LIV Golf, Koepka’s decision underscores ongoing shifts in players’ affiliations and the evolving landscape of professional golf.
Woods himself remains focused on rehabilitation. Having undergone his seventh back operation, he’s gradually rebuilding his strength and mobility and acknowledged that a competitive comeback will require careful preparation and patience. Although enthusiastic about the return of top rivals to the Tour, Woods emphasized that his own playing days at the highest level are not imminent as he continues his recovery.