B737-800 Captain reported rotation on takeoff required approximately twice the normal elevator force; and opted to perform an air turnback.

Narrative

I was pilot flying. Rotate required maybe twice the normal elevator force. Normal climb-out. Not certain of any excess pitch forces during climb. After takeoff; climb; and cruise; aircraft responded well to manual pitch; electric trim; and autopilot use. No other abnormal system indications. Takeoff trim setting seemed typical for aircraft weight. During preflight I had read electronic aircraft logbook entry; Day 0; stating controls were heavy during takeoff rotation and during landing flare. Maintenance corrective action mentioned a loose union at elevator feel computer pitot line - corrected.My initial thought was to continue to ZZZZ and see how the landing flare felt at normal landing weight; as the aircraft seemed to be operating normally - other than takeoff rotation. I intended to; at a minimum; write up the excess elevator force required during rotate upon arrival in ZZZZ. FO (First Officer) supported that course of action. I also discussed the possibility that an incorrect CG calculation might have the same effect. I reviewed the Jammed or Restricted Flight Controls Checklist which ends at Step 7 if controls are operating normally; allowing for continued flight; which they appeared to be. If however; the aircraft would later exhibit abnormal elevator forces; during speed and configuration changes required for approach / landing; a flaps 15 landing would be required. This would not be a prudent landing configuration at ZZZZ; with potential wet runway considerations. Given the above maintenance history; I decided the most prudent course of action was to discontinue flight by returning to ZZZ. I requested priority handling; landed flaps 15; approximately 10;000 lb. overweight at ZZZ; [Runway] XXL; 13;000+ ft. of runway; using max reverse to slow considerably before manual brake application - autobrakes not used. Jammed or Restricted Flight Controls; Overweight Landing; Non-Routine Landing; and all normal checklists were completed. No abnormal elevator forces were felt during remainder of flight. Soft landing; routine taxi to gate. Normal brake temperatures reported by ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) Chief after gate arrival.