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Golf World Reacts to LIV Golf's Future, Player Returns, and Top Players' Opinions in 2026

Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1 golfer, commented on the return of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed to the PGA Tour, expressing support for their participation and highlighting the positive impact on the sport's competitiveness and audience. Scheffler emphasized that having top players like Koepka, a five-time major winner, and Reed, a major champion, compete again is beneficial for the Tour, fans, and sponsors. He also noted that the recent moves by these players help reduce the 'noise' and 'drama' surrounding golf's ongoing conflicts with LIV Golf. Viktor Hovland, ranked 13th globally and participating in the WM Phoenix Open, expressed that he is pleased to see Koepka and Reed back but also raised concerns about the PGA Tour's position amid these changes. Hovland pointed out that the Tour's previous stance on player loyalty and consequences is now complicated by the players' ability to switch between tours with minimal repercussions, which could set a problematic precedent for future players. LIV Golf is projected to be lossmaking through at least the next decade, according to its CEO, indicating ongoing financial challenges for the rival league. Despite this, the return of players like Koepka and Reed signifies a shift in golf's landscape, with top talent rejoining the PGA Tour. Scheffler also addressed the broader implications, stating that the return of LIV players is a step toward normalizing competition and reducing the 'noise' in golf. He highlighted his focus on his own game, his impressive career achievements, and his current quest for a career Grand Slam. The overall sentiment among players like Scheffler and Hovland suggests a complex but evolving golf environment in 2026, balancing competition, player movement, and the financial realities of LIV Golf.

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