Brooks Koepka has been reinstated to the PGA Tour under its new Returning Member Program, marking his return after leaving LIV Golf in December 2025. The three-time PGA Championship winner faced financial penalties but was approved for reinstatement, allowing him to compete in the 2026 season.
Tom Watson, a two-time Masters champion, criticized the PGA Tour’s decision, arguing that players who left for LIV Golf should have faced stricter penalties. Watson, who participated in the ceremonial tee-off at the 90th Masters, suggested that returning players should first qualify through the Korn Ferry Tour.
"The Tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV," Watson said. "They felt that the compensation that he’s paid is good enough." He added that if he were commissioner, he would have imposed a lifetime ban on players leaving for LIV Golf unless they completed a year on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Koepka, who has competed in seven tournaments this season, has made four of six cuts with three top-25 finishes but no top-10 results. In a statement, Koepka expressed excitement about returning to the PGA Tour, citing new leadership, investors, and an equity program that provides players with ownership stakes.
The PGA Tour’s Returning Member Program allows players to rejoin after fulfilling certain conditions, including financial penalties. The program has been controversial, with some arguing it undermines the Tour’s stance against LIV Golf defections.