Tiger Woods believes Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour makes it “a better place to play” and is a “win for everyone”.
Five-time major winner Koepka last month quit LIV Golf with a year of his contract remaining, claiming he wanted to spend more time with his family.
The 35-year-old subsequently applied to have his PGA Tour membership reinstated, sparking a debate amongst players and fans.
Rory McIlroy claimed it makes sense to welcome Koepka back to the tour, adding: “What Brooks has done in the game of golf, it would be good for everyone to have him back.”
As part of his return, Koepka has agreed to stringent restrictions on his financial benefits as well as a charitable donation of five million US dollars (£3.71million).
He is also set to feature at the upcoming Farmers Insurance Open.
Woods, who is on the PGA Tour board, feels the outcome is the best for all concerned, whilst speaking at a press conference after the TGL match between Jupiter Links and New York GC in Florida on Tuesday evening.
He said: “There are opinions from both sides. We are not going to satisfy everyone. We know that, but the whole idea is to make our tour better than what it was.”
Tiger Woods believes Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour makes it ‘a better place to play’
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He added: “With Brooks’ addition to the (PGA) Tour, it does.
“It makes it a better place to play.”
“Now with players who have earned equity, and there are four more years of potential earning of equity for these players, the fact that they own the (PGA) Tour, if Brooks plays, it puts more money in their pocket. It is a win for everyone.”
Woods believes Koepka’s presence will provide a welcome “additive” to PGA Tour fields.
Rory McIlroy claimed it makes sense to welcome Koepka back to the tour
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He said: “Having another world-class player that these guys are going to try and beat, that is what the fans demanded, that is what the fans wanted for our fan initiative program, and I think we have addressed that.”
Woods, 50, is continuing his rehabilitation from a seventh back surgery in October and had hit a few shots in the stadium ahead of the TGL match.
The US golfer said: “I am moving up to short irons, so that’s about it.
“I need a little bit more than that to be able to play here.”
Brooks Koepka is a five-time major champion | PA
He added: “At my speed right now, I could probably play the Stinger hole.
“Just kind of roll it off the tee, but no, I am progressing, which is nice.
“I am getting there and getting stronger.
“It is just one of those things where it just takes so much time for the bone to heal and the bone to set.”
