Watson faults PGA Tour for Koepka's easy return

Tom Watson accused the PGA Tour of reneging on its promise to players who joined LIV Golf after Brooks Koepka returned under a new reinstatement program. The two-time Masters champion, serving as an honorary starter at the 90th Masters, said the tour accepted Koepka's financial penalties as sufficient compensation. Watson argued LIV defectors should face lifetime bans or requalify through the Korn Ferry Tour.

Koepka left LIV Golf in December 2025 with about one year left on his contract. He applied for reinstatement and received quick approval through the PGA Tour's Returning Member Program. In a January 12 social media statement, Koepka expressed excitement about returning, citing family proximity, faith in new PGA Tour leadership and equity, and acceptance of penalties including five years in the player equity program worth up to $85 million according to tour CEO Brian Rolapp, $5 million in charity donations, and earning entry to signature events.

Watson, who joined the PGA Tour in 1971 and won eight majors, said players violated the tour's top rule by leaving without permission for conflicting LIV events, harming sponsors who rely on star names. He noted that when players departed for LIV, he viewed their potential return as a nonstarter. Several other LIV golfers including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith rejected the PGA Tour offer, while Hideki Matsuyama and Wyndham Clark expressed conflict over Koepka's move; Matsuyama called it shocking amid poor tour communication.

Watson suggested returning LIV players finishing contracts should play the Korn Ferry Tour for a year to rejoin. He last competed at the 2019 Senior Open Championship and started the Masters for a fifth straight year.