World number one Scottie Scheffler has expressed enthusiasm for the return of LIV Golf players Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed to the PGA Tour, viewing it as a step toward reuniting top talent. Speaking ahead of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, Scheffler highlighted the benefits for competition, fans, and sponsors. However, Viktor Hovland raised concerns about the precedent set for future players.
At a press conference for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer who recently claimed his 20th PGA Tour victory at the American Express, voiced strong support for the reintegration of players from LIV Golf. Scheffler, who won his first PGA Tour title at this very event in 2022 and has since secured four majors, emphasized the desire for the best players to compete together regularly.
"When you look at a lot of the discussions we’ve had and when you look at like what a lot of the fans are saying, I think people want the best people playing together again," Scheffler said. "So when it comes to great players like Brooks or Patrick Reed, Patrick Reed is a major champion, and I think Brooks Koepka has won five majors, so having those guys competing out here is great for the TOUR, great for the fans, and great for our sponsors."
Scheffler sees this as progress amid the "noise" of recent years in golf, hoping it paves the way for more returns, including potentially from players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. He noted his own recovery from a hand injury last season, joking about avoiding metal utensils in the offseason to prevent mishaps.
Brooks Koepka, a five-time major winner who returned to PGA events last week at Torrey Pines, shares a positive outlook. Having won the Phoenix Open in 2015 and 2021, Koepka feels comfortable on the course. "It's just good to be back. Good to see some golf courses I'm familiar with," he said. Koepka reported no difficult conversations with peers so far, only welcomes.
Not all reactions are unanimous. World number 16 Viktor Hovland, fresh off a win at last year's Valspar Championship, welcomes stronger fields but questions the PGA Tour's consistency. "You've said one thing for a long time, and now we’re changing things. What precedent are you setting then to the future players now if I can go to a rival tour, get paid, and now seemingly come back again without the biggest consequences?" Hovland said. He stressed his focus on competing against the best, leaving policy decisions to the tour.
Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, is slated to return next fall. Scheffler's stance aligns with a broader hope for unified golf competition beyond majors.
