Tom Watson Criticizes PGA Tour’s Handling of Brooks Koepka’s Return

Legendary golfer Tom Watson has shared his thoughts on the new PGA Tour program that allowed Brooks Koepka to make his return. Koepka, a three-time PGA Championship winner, had left LIV Golf in December 2025, despite having nearly a year remaining on his contract with the Saudi-backed league.

After applying to return, Koepka received quick approval under the new membership program. Watson, who has won the Masters twice, voiced his discontent with how this process unfolded. “The tour made the decision to go back on their word to the players when he left for LIV,” Watson stated during the 90th Masters, highlighting that they considered the compensation Koepka provided sufficient.

Watson also expressed his views on how to move forward. “When the LIV players left, I thought they should be banned for life. If I were the commissioner, that’s exactly what I would do. If my contract with LIV ends, I would have to play a year on the Korn Ferry Tour to be eligible again.”

Koepka himself made a statement about his return via social media, sharing his excitement. “As a kid, I dreamed of competing on the PGA Tour, and today I’m thrilled to announce my return,” he wrote on X on January 12, adding that this opportunity would allow him to spend more time with family. He emphasized his belief in the league’s new direction with fresh leadership and an equity program aimed at giving players more ownership.

He acknowledged understanding the financial penalties tied to his decision, which includes an agreement to participate in the player equity program for five years, possibly incurring penalties totaling up to $85 million. Additionally, Koepka pledged to donate $5 million to charity and must meet certain standards to compete in the tour’s premier events.

Other golfers, like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, have turned down controversial offers from the PGA Tour, while Hideki Matsuyama shared his shock at Koepka’s return. He expressed respect for Koepka’s choice, but disappointment regarding the perceived lack of communication from the tour.

Watson, who joined the PGA Tour in 1971 and has a remarkable eight major victories, argued that LIV’s exit represented a violation of key principles in the sport. He remarked, “When players left, they broke the primary rule we had here, which was to safeguard sponsors. These sponsors need players, they need prominent names to back their tournaments.” He believes that if players can participate in events without conflicts, it undermines the sponsors’ interests.

Reflecting on the situation, Watson concluded, “When the players went to LIV, I thought that was it. They opted for the financial incentive, which is understandable, but I didn’t think returning to the tour would be that simple.” Watson last played competitively in 2019 at the Senior Open Championship and now serves as an honorary starter at the Masters.