Former major champion Tom Watson blasted PGA Tour’s decision to let former LIV Golf players back onto its schedule during his Honorary Starter remarks at the Masters. He argued the tour reneged on its promise to ban defectors for life and that a $5m charitable contribution from Brooks Koepka should not excuse a return. Watson called the move a betrayal of sponsors still in golf today.

The tour’s Returning Member Program, devised by CEO Brian Rolapp, offers a limited pathway for “elite performers” to re‑enter, with Koepka already reinstated at the Farmers Insurance Open. Patrick Reed, who quit LIV earlier this year, will also come back after serving a one‑year suspension. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith remain on LIV despite eligibility.

Watson warned that allowing players to hop between tours without a Korn Ferry qualifying year undermines sponsor protection, the sport’s primary revenue driver. He maintained that the exodus to LIV was driven by money, but a swift return erodes the tour’s credibility. The controversy now sits alongside the Masters field, where former LIV alumni will test the PGA’s open‑door policy.