PGA Tour broke promise on Brooks Koepka’s return, honorary Masters starter Tom Watson says

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

Legendary golfer Tom Watson offered a blunt take on the new program that paved the way for Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour.

Koepka left LIV Golf in December 2025. At the time of his departure, the three-time PGA Championship winner had roughly one year remaining on his contract with the Saudi-backed circuit.

Koepka applied for PGA Tour reinstatement and quickly gained approval under the tour's new Returning Member Program. Watson, a two-time Masters champion who participated in Thursday morning's ceremonial tee off at Augusta National, voiced strong criticism about the process.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Brooks Koepka of the United States reacts on the fifth green during the third round of the Valspar Championship 2026 at Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club March 21, 2026, in Palm Harbor, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

"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 at the 90th edition of the Masters.

Watson then laid out what he believes should happen going forward.

"I thought the LIV players, when they left, they were supposed to be banned for life. 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."

BROOKS KOEPKA'S ATTORNEY GIVES INSIDE LOOK INTO GOLFER'S LIV DEPARTURE, RETURN TO PGA TOUR

Koepka addressed his return to the PGA Tour in a post on social media.

"When I was a child, I