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Watson Slams PGA Tour's LIV Player Re-entry Policy
9 Apr
Summary
- Tom Watson criticizes the PGA Tour's leniency for players returning from LIV.
- He believes former LIV players should face a Korn Ferry Tour year.
- Watson feels sponsors were not protected by the Tour's decisions.
Past Masters champion Tom Watson has publicly criticized the PGA Tour's approach to reintegrating players who previously joined LIV Golf. Following his ceremonial tee shot as an honorary starter, Watson expressed his disappointment with the Tour's decision to offer what he perceives as an easy pathway back for LIV golfers.
Watson stated that the PGA Tour's current policy deviates from its initial promises to its members. He articulated his view that players who left for LIV should have faced stricter consequences, including a potential lifetime ban. As an alternative, Watson proposed that any player returning from LIV should be required to play a full season on the Korn Ferry Tour to re-earn their PGA Tour status.
He emphasized that a core principle of the PGA Tour is the protection of its sponsors, a rule he believes was violated by players who departed for LIV. Watson specifically mentioned Brooks Koepka, questioning the adequacy of the Tour's required $5 million charitable donation as a penalty.
The PGA Tour, under new CEO Brian Rolapp, introduced a one-time 'Returning Member Program.' This program was also extended as an option to other prominent LIV golfers like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith, though they remain with LIV. Patrick Reed is pursuing a PGA Tour return via a different route after completing a one-year suspension.
