The LIV Returnees: Scottie Scheffler & Co. Spill the Beans – What's Happening on Tour?
Folks, hold on tight! Scottie Scheffler, our current World No. 1, sees the return of the LIV Golf stars to the PGA Tour as a crucial step. Finally, the best golfers in the world are competing again, not just at the Majors!
Scheffler, who claimed his 20th PGA Tour title two weeks ago, returns this week to the site of his first triumph: the legendary Phoenix Open. The man has secured his 2026 season opener at the PGA American Express and is now chasing the next crown at TPC Scottsdale. And who else is back in the mix? None other than five-time Major champion Brooks Koepka, fresh off his return from LIV. Things are about to get serious!
"I think people just want to see the best players compete together again," Scheffler said. "When guys like Brooks or Patrick Reed are back on the tee box here, that's great for the Tour, amazing for the fans, and of course, excellent for our sponsors." The last few years simply had too much noise off the course. "I think with these guys coming back, it's another step for us to just get back to playing golf," he analyzed.
Speaking of Patrick Reed: The 2018 Masters champion plans his return from LIV to the PGA Tour next autumn. Since his breakthrough and his Phoenix victory in 2022, Scheffler has, by the way, already won four Majors. Truly impressive!
"It doesn't feel that long ago, but somehow a good while has passed," Scheffler says about his beginnings. "Many good memories. It's just awesome to perform in front of this crowd on the green." Last season, by the way, Scheffler injured his hand while cooking. Kitchen drama, who hasn't been there? But now he's back in top shape! "I had a good start at the American Express," he recounts. "That's exciting, but I'm always at my best when I stay in the moment and focus on getting a little better every day." It's definitely more pleasant to start the season this way than to miss the first tournaments due to hand surgery. With a wink, he adds: "This year, I cooked a bit less in the offseason. Stuck to plastic cutlery instead of metal stuff."
Quick Check-in: Koepka on the Return Vibe
Koepka, who celebrated his PGA comeback last week at Torrey Pines, by the way, already claimed his first PGA title in Phoenix in 2015 – and repeated that feat directly in 2021. The man knows how to win here! "Of course, winning here twice helps," Koepka said. "Every time you're victorious on a course twice, you feel good and truly comfortable. Hopefully, this week will be a fantastic week."
"It's just good to be back. Seeing familiar golf courses, knowing where I need to hit and just having a feel for it – that's a huge advantage." Koepka asserts that so far, he hasn't had any
