Overview
- Tom Watson, speaking Thursday as a Masters honorary starter, said the Tour reneged on past promises and urged either a lifetime ban or a year on the Korn Ferry Tour for LIV returnees, citing the need to protect sponsors who rely on star players.
- Koepka rejoined in January through a new Returning Member Program that created a fast path back for a narrow set of recent major or Players champions.
- Under the terms, he forfeits five years in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, which CEO Brian Rolapp estimated at $50–85 million, and he must donate $5 million to charity.
- His access is limited this season, including having to qualify for the Tour’s elite signature events and receiving no money from the 2026 FedEx Cup Bonus Program.
- Other LIV major winners such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith declined the offer before the Feb. 2 window closed, while Wyndham Clark and Hideki Matsuyama voiced conflicted reactions to Koepka’s return.