The biggest story of the 2026 PGA Tour season so far is the return of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, each of whom spent the last few years with LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour created a Returning Member Program for select golfers like Koepka and Reed. The program includes severe financial penalties and strict conditions, but allows some of the best players in the world to rejoin the PGA Tour’s competitive field.
The response to this decision comes with a mixed bag of reactions. But, World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler is all for it.
Before the start of the 2026 Waste Management Open on Wednesday, Scheffler was asked about Koepka and Reed’s PGA Tour reinstatement.
“When you look at a lot of the discussions we’ve had and when you look at 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 hopes the return of these previous major champions will quiet some of the drama and turn the focus toward quality golf.
“I think the last few years — there’s just been a lot of noise, and so I think getting those guys back is another step towards us just being able to play golf again,” he added. “That’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
Scheffler kicked off his 2026 PGA Tour season with a win at The American Express. Koepka finished T56 in his return to PGA Tour action at last week’s Farmer Insurance Open.