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Brooks Koepka is officially back on the PGA Tour after spending the last 3.5 years playing on the LIV Golf Tour, and eight-time major winner Tom Watson isn’t very happy about.
Watson, who is a two-time winner of The Masters, spoke with members of the media ahead of Thursday’s ceremonial first tee shots alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
When asked about Koepka’s return to the tour, he didn’t hold back in his criticism of not only Koepka but also the PGA Tour’s leadership, which seemingly went back on its initial punishment of players who defected for LIV.
Tom Watson Says The PGA Tour Should’ve Banned Brooks Koepka For Life
Under the conditions of his return, Koepka forfeited five years of potential equity in the PGA Tour’s player equity program and agreed to a $5 million charitable donation. Additionally, he must now qualify on merit for all signature events rather than receiving any exemptions.
But Watson feels that’s too light a punishment.
❌😕⛳️ #NO EXCUSES — Tom Watson sounded off on the PGA Tour’s decision to let Brooks Koepka return
“The Tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV… they felt that the compensation that he’s paid is good enough.
I thought the LIV players,… pic.twitter.com/PNp77V2wEf
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 9, 2026
“The Tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV… they felt that the compensation that he’s paid is good enough,” Watson said.
“I thought the LIV players, when they left, they were supposed to be banned for life,” he continued. “If I was commissioner, that’s what I would do. I’d say if you’re finished with your contract with LIV Golf, if you want to play the PGA Tour again, you come back, and you must play the Korn Ferry Tour for a year to qualify for it. They saw it differently.
“When the players left, they violated the number one rule that we really had out here, which is to protect the sponsors… they chose to go for the money, which is fine, but to return to the Tour, I thought, was a nonstarter, but apparently it’s not.”
Ultimately, you have to credit Watson for sticking to his guns. But a lifetime ban for Brooks Koepka just isn’t good for anyone involved. Could the pathway back have been a bit tougher? Perhaps. But ultimately, having Koepka on the PGA Tour and playing events is a win for the PGA Tour.