The Masters is not just a celebration of golf, but also consistently a venue for heated debates. This week, specifically on April 9, 2026, golf legend Tom Watson stirred up quite a discussion. At the traditional Honorary Starters' press conference, he took aim at the PGA Tour, blasting that the Tour had broken its promise to permanently ban LIV Golf defectors when players like Brooks Koepka returned.
The Tour's Inconsistent Policy
The situation is clear: Currently, LIV players are excluded from PGA Tour events. Non-members receive a one-year suspension after their last LIV appearance. Full reinstatement of membership was originally taboo. However, since the emergence of the Saudi-backed league in 2022, the Tour has altered its policy and introduced a "Returning Member Program" for "Elite Performers." So, things were not as strict as initially thought after all.
The Returnees and the Repercussions
Speaking of returnees: Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, terminated his LIV contract in December 2025 – a full twelve months early. He returned in January 2026 at the Farmers Insurance Open via this program and paid a $5 million charitable donation. Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, also left LIV in early 2026. He can play as a non-member starting in fall 2026, but he will only regain his former Past Champion status in January 2027. The latest information from this Masters day, around 6:00-6:14 PM CEST, shows: Watson's words underscore the continuing tension, even though further returnees have not yet been officially confirmed.
