LPGA TourNelly Korda, Michelle Wie West: U.S. Women's Open – Duel!LIV GolfSmyth After Korea Triumph: Andalusia in His Sights!MajorsMcIlroy Chases First Memorial Title, Scheffler Hunts Hat-trick!LIV GolfValderrama: Garcia's Photos, Rahm's Quest for His Portrait!LIV GolfLIV Golf Andalucia 2026: Showdown at Valderrama!LPGA TourLauren Walsh: 3rd at ShopRite LPGA Classic! Record PaycheckPGA TourBrad Dalke (Good Good) Receives Wildcard for Rocket Classic!LPGA TourCéline Boutier Wins ShopRite LPGA Classic: 7th Title!LPGA TourLauren Walsh: Top 3! Huge Step Towards LPGA Tour Card!LIV GolfNiemann Chases Open Championship Spot at LIV Golf AndaluciaLPGA TourNelly Korda, Michelle Wie West: U.S. Women's Open – Duel!LIV GolfSmyth After Korea Triumph: Andalusia in His Sights!MajorsMcIlroy Chases First Memorial Title, Scheffler Hunts Hat-trick!LIV GolfValderrama: Garcia's Photos, Rahm's Quest for His Portrait!LIV GolfLIV Golf Andalucia 2026: Showdown at Valderrama!LPGA TourLauren Walsh: 3rd at ShopRite LPGA Classic! Record PaycheckPGA TourBrad Dalke (Good Good) Receives Wildcard for Rocket Classic!LPGA TourCéline Boutier Wins ShopRite LPGA Classic: 7th Title!LPGA TourLauren Walsh: Top 3! Huge Step Towards LPGA Tour Card!LIV GolfNiemann Chases Open Championship Spot at LIV Golf Andalucia
PGA Tour

Masters 2026: Koepka Dismisses Watson's PGA Tour Criticism

Golf legend Watson criticizes Koepka. The verbal duel heats up!

PG
PGA Tour
12. April 2026 · 1 min read
Masters 2026: Koepka Dismisses Watson's PGA Tour Criticism

The Masters are in full swing, but away from the spectacular shots on the Augusta National green, a verbal duel is igniting controversy. Golf legend Tom Watson has voiced his clear opinion, targeting Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour comeback. Things really heated up, golfers!

Watson, an eight-time Major champion and two-time Masters winner, is furious with the PGA Tour. He criticizes that the promise to ban LIV Golf defectors for life was broken. For Watson, Koepka should have had to play for a year on the Korn Ferry Tour to re-qualify, as his direct re-entry, in his opinion, harms sponsors. Clear words from the veteran!

Koepka's Cool Reaction from the Green

Brooks Koepka himself remains unfazed by the headwinds. Asked on the green after his really strong 3-under 69 round (T10), he was typically nonchalant: "It's fine if he sees it that way. He's not the first person to think that. It is what it is. I'm just grateful to be here." That's how we know the guy!

Chris McKee

Brooks Koepka shot a 3-under 69 today and sits T10. He was asked about Tom Watson's comments that former LIV players should've received more punishment, "Everybody is entitled to their own opinion."

The Tour's Decision in Focus

Koepka's return occurred via the PGA Tour's "Returning Member Program." Although penalties were imposed, the transition was surprisingly smooth for him. Watson maintains his hard line, believing LIV players should be banned for life or take the arduous route via the Korn Ferry Tour. The debate over tour loyalty continues to simmer, even as the balls are flying on the Masters green.

delofted
More golf content in the appLive leaderboards, breaking news and exclusive podcasts
Get the App