Tom Watson Is Furious With PGA Tour's Decision On Brooks Koepka

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 11:29 AM ET

Eight-time major champion Tom Watson is taking shots on and off the course at Augusta National this Thursday.

Watson, 76, was one of three three honorary starters for the 2026 Masters. He had the privilege of sending a ceremonial tee shot down the first fairway with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

While the ceremonial tee shot was supposed to be the highlight of Watson's day, he's actually making headlines for calling out Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed and the PGA Tour.

Watson criticized the PGA Tour for welcoming back Koepka and Reed earlier this year. He claims they should've been banned for life once they took their talents to LIV Golf.

"I thought the LIV players, when they left, were supposed to be banned for life. When the players left, they violated the No 1 rule that we really had out here, which is to protect the sponsors. Sponsors need players. They need the names to be able to promote their tournaments," Watson said, via The Guardian. "When the players left for LIV, I think it was basically over. 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."

AUG 08, 2025; Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA; Brooks Koepka of the Smash GC tees off on the on the 14th hole during the first round of the LIV Golf Chicago tournament at Bolingbrook Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images© Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images.

Fans don't share Watson's stance.

There's no question Koepka upset fans in 2022 when he left the PGA Tour. Nonetheless, they're glad he's back in the spotlight.

"It’s Brooks Koepka," one person replied. "Put some respect on his name."

"Why is the PGA Tour this sacred thing that can't be competed with? They accepted a deal with a competitor, honored it, and some came back. The PGA Tour old heads have to get over it," a fan commented.

"Absolutely stupid. Golf is dying because there is no current superstar. There is no Tiger anymore. Why would you make some of the best players in the world go back on the Korn Ferry Tour? This is about viewership and ratings and that's good for the sponsors," another fan said.

Koepka, a five-time major champion, is still searching for his first green jacket. If he wins the Masters this weekend, Watson may have something else to say about him.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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