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Asian Wrestling C’ships: Indian women confirm three medals  Indian women confirmed three medals at the Asian wrestling championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday.Meenakshi (53kg) booked a place in the final, while Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha Sangwan (59kg) recorded come-from-behind wins to claim a bronze apiece.Meenakshi, who stunned two-time Worlds bronze medallist Antim Panghal in the trials to get selected for the continental event, got past Uzbekistan’s Sakibjamal Esbosynova 15-4 and Korea’s Seoyoung Park 4-2 to reach the final. She will take on former Worlds silver medallist Jin Zhang of China in the gold medal contest.The 19-year-old Hansika beat Kyrgyzstan’s Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy 6-1, while Neha defeated double Asian medallist Bolortuya Khurelkhuu of Mongolia 10-4.Harshita (72kg) also made it to the bronze medal match.Published on Apr 09, 2026  #Asian #Wrestling #Cships #Indian #women #confirm #medals

Asian Wrestling C’ships: Indian women confirm three medals

Indian women confirmed three medals at the Asian wrestling championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday.

Meenakshi (53kg) booked a place in the final, while Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha Sangwan (59kg) recorded come-from-behind wins to claim a bronze apiece.

Meenakshi, who stunned two-time Worlds bronze medallist Antim Panghal in the trials to get selected for the continental event, got past Uzbekistan’s Sakibjamal Esbosynova 15-4 and Korea’s Seoyoung Park 4-2 to reach the final. She will take on former Worlds silver medallist Jin Zhang of China in the gold medal contest.

The 19-year-old Hansika beat Kyrgyzstan’s Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy 6-1, while Neha defeated double Asian medallist Bolortuya Khurelkhuu of Mongolia 10-4.

Harshita (72kg) also made it to the bronze medal match.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Asian #Wrestling #Cships #Indian #women #confirm #medals

Indian women confirmed three medals at the Asian wrestling championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday.

Meenakshi (53kg) booked a place in the final, while Hansika Lamba (55kg) and Neha Sangwan (59kg) recorded come-from-behind wins to claim a bronze apiece.

Meenakshi, who stunned two-time Worlds bronze medallist Antim Panghal in the trials to get selected for the continental event, got past Uzbekistan’s Sakibjamal Esbosynova 15-4 and Korea’s Seoyoung Park 4-2 to reach the final. She will take on former Worlds silver medallist Jin Zhang of China in the gold medal contest.

The 19-year-old Hansika beat Kyrgyzstan’s Aruuke Kadyrbek Kyzy 6-1, while Neha defeated double Asian medallist Bolortuya Khurelkhuu of Mongolia 10-4.

Harshita (72kg) also made it to the bronze medal match.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

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#Asian #Wrestling #Cships #Indian #women #confirm #medals

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Deadspin | Jack Nicklaus hopes to continue role as honorary Masters starter <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28689244.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28689244.jpg" alt="PGA: Masters Tournament - First Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Honorary starter Jack Nicklaus tees off on the first hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament officially began with the honorary starting threesome of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson at 7:25 a.m. ET on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Shortly after sunrise at Augusta National Golf Club, the trio of golfing legends emerged from the iconic clubhouse to a resounding applause from the patrons gathered on a chilly Augusta morning.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>With a youthful exuberance that greatly belies his 90 years of age, Player took the first swing of the tournament and piped his drive.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Getting to the first tee with the enthusiasm of all the people, which is an essential ingredient in life, I think — enthusiasm — the love they give you out there is quite remarkable.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Player was followed by Nicklaus, 86, who had his son Jack Nicklaus Jr. working as his caddie. The six-time Masters champion astutely warned the gallery before hooking his shot over the crowd.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I don’t know what was running through my head other than not to hurt anyone,” Nicklaus quipped afterward, adding that he had carpel tunnel surgery earlier this year and was primarily focused on holding onto the club. “That was my issue today. I’m fortunate that I got it over somebody’s head.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Watson, 76, followed with a well-struck drive and the tournament was officially on.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The trio has won a combined 11 Masters and made 140 collective appearances at the tournament, including 37 honorary starter ceremonies. Nicklaus was asked whether he intends to continue with being part of the tradition in future years.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>“As long as I can still hit the golf ball,” he said. “I played once this year, I played in February. I played once last year. I don’t really play golf anymore.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>“But it’s such a nice ceremony, and it’s a real honor to be invited. I hope to be able to do it as long as I can not kill anybody.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Player said the walk from the clubhouse to the first tee each year evokes a flood of memories and gratitude.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“Funny enough how your mind goes back very quickly, and I thought of President Eisenhower, who I admired so much, who was a member of this club which started it off — how much I love coming back here every year of my life, an integral part of my life, and such a fantastic tournament,” he said.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“I think the word, as you get older, is gratitude. Just to be able to be on that first tee is an honor.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Player is making his 68th visit to the Masters this week, a tournament he once called the fourth most important major on the golf calendar. That view has evolved steadily with the growth and evolution of the only major to be contested at the same venue every year.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“They’ve evolved faster than any other tournament. It’s one of the greatest events in the world,” he said. “It’s one of the most beautiful places historically, and there’s nothing but admiration for what they’ve done.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“Every year you come here, you’re absolutely in awe. Buildings that would take years to build, they do in nine months. It’s quite remarkable. It’s now inundated with history, and it will go even from more strength to strength in the future.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Derek Harper, Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Jack #Nicklaus #hopes #continue #role #honorary #Masters #starter

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Deadspin | Ducks eager to stop slide in clash vs. Sharks <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28681923.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28681923.jpg" alt="NHL: Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (19) following a tripping call during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Anaheim Ducks will look to play a more complete game as they aim to halt a six-game skid when they host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>“It’s not the optimal time to be losing games in the season,” Ducks forward Alex Killorn said. “Put ourselves in a pretty good spot and kind of throwing it away a little bit here at the end. But still, plenty of games left to get those points back.”</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Ducks (41-32-5, 87 points) are in third place in the Pacific Division, three points behind the first-place Edmonton Oilers, one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights, and four points ahead of the fourth-place Los Angeles Kings with four games remaining.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Anaheim, in the midst of a five-game homestand, has dropped six games in a row (0-5-1), including a 5-0 loss to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal made 20 saves against the Predators.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“In a lot of those games where we came back, we had really bad starts,” Killorn said. “Seems to be the opposite now. I feel like we start the games really well and then when something goes wrong, we don’t rebound like we used to.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Cutter Gauthier paces the Ducks with 38 goals and 65 points in 73 games, while defenseman Jackson LaCombe has a team-high 46 assists in 78 appearances.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Thursday will mark the fourth and final meeting between the Ducks and Sharks this season. Anaheim edged San Jose 7-6 in overtime in the first contest on Oct. 11 before the Sharks responded with a pair of wins — 5-4 on Dec. 29 and 4-3 on April 1.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>San Jose travels to Anaheim following a 5-2 loss to the visiting Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>“At this time of year, you’ve got to play simple, direct hockey in the offensive zone, especially, and we can’t seem to grasp that consistently enough right now,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Macklin Celebrini and Kiefer Sherwood each scored a goal for the Sharks (37-33-7, 81 points), who are 5-2-0 in their past seven games.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“We have to be better. We didn’t shoot the puck enough. I took a bad penalty, and they scored on it,” Celebrini said. “We need to be better, we need to come out a little hotter, we need to shoot pucks — we passed up a lot of really good chances.”</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Sharks trail the Nashville Predators by three points in the race for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>With an assist on Sherwood’s second-period goal, Alexander Wennberg extended his career-high point streak to eight games (five goals, five assists).</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>With his 108th point of the season, meanwhile, Celebrini passed Jimmy Carson (107 points in 1987-88) for the third-most points in a season by a teenager, behind only Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky (137 in 1979-80) and Pittsburgh Penguins superstar captain Sidney Crosby (120 in 2006-07).</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“We’ve got to move on, we’ve got to look at it, learn from it,” Warsofsky said of the loss to the Oilers. “We’ll see a team that’s another desperate team in Anaheim (on Thursday). They’ve lost a few in a row, and we’ve got to certainly have more desperation in our game.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Ducks #eager #stop #slide #clash #Sharks

Ravi Shastri, the former India captain, urged young Mumbai cricketers to embrace the grind and uphold the city’s rich cricketing legacy after the Ravi Shastri Stand was unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

“It’s an honour. It’s a privilege to get it on the ground,” Shastri said moments after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the stand on the north side of the stadium in the presence of Shastri’s family, including his 86-year-old mother Lakshmi.

Reflecting on the illustrious names already associated with the venue, Shastri emphasised the standards expected of Mumbai cricketers. “When you look at the names there (for various stands), (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Dilip) Vengsarkar, (Sunil) Gavaskar, (Rohit) Sharma, and then of course the Gates. It’s an association that is rich in tradition. And above all, winners. They win more than anybody else,” Shastri said.

Encouraging aspiring players to follow Mumbai’s traditional route, Shastri added: “So to get upstairs there, you have got to work your backside off. It won’t come easy. So, whoever is young, whoever is aspiring, there is no shortcut. Take those trains, take those buses, do the rounds of the maidans, play First-Class cricket as much as you can, and play whatever cricket that is available. Because that’s the only way you will become a better cricketer. The prime example is Sachin Tendulkar.”

Besides the Ravi Shastri Stand – stadium gates in the name of Diana Eduji, late Dilip Sardesai and late Eknath Solkar were also unveiled. While Edulji was present, the families of Solkar and Sardesai were present to witness the tribute to stalwarts of Mumbai cricket.

Shastri’s family — including his mother, wife Ritu and daughter Alekha — were present, along with several friends from his school and college days. Sunil Gavaskar, his first Test captain, Dilip Vengsarkar, his long-time Mumbai and India teammate, and Suryakumar Yadav also shared the dais.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: DDCA director Anand Verma alleges ticket fraud in Delhi

“To all the cricketers I played with, thank you very much. Because without you all, this stand would have never come in my name. You were all part of it, right from school to club to wherever it goes,” Shastri said. “To my family that’s present here, without their support, I don’t think I would have made it.

There is my mother there, 86, even more obsessed with the game than anyone else. She has watched Test cricket from the 1960s, right from (Gary) Sobers at the CCI to Neil Harvey to the works, Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, and her favourite was Neil Harvey. And she was a pest. You had to score every game.”

MCA has zeroed in on stadium plot: CM Fadnavis

Meanwhile, Fadnavis revealed that the state government has extended full support to the Mumbai Cricket Association’s plan to build a 1-lakh capacity stadium in Navi Mumbai.

“Everyone feels that Mumbai should host the big final, that’s why Mumbai needs a bigger stadium. All of them are working towards it. We overviewed a plot of land in Navi Mumbai recently along with Ajinkya (Naik, MCA president). We have almost finalised a piece of land that’s very well connected. I am sure we will come up with the best stadium in the country,” he said.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Gates #honour #Shastri #Edulji #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium">Gates in honour of Shastri, Edulji unveiled at Wankhede Stadium  Ravi Shastri, the former India captain, urged young Mumbai cricketers to embrace the grind and uphold the city’s rich cricketing legacy after the Ravi Shastri Stand was unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.“It’s an honour. It’s a privilege to get it on the ground,” Shastri said moments after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the stand on the north side of the stadium in the presence of Shastri’s family, including his 86-year-old mother Lakshmi.Reflecting on the illustrious names already associated with the venue, Shastri emphasised the standards expected of Mumbai cricketers. “When you look at the names there (for various stands), (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Dilip) Vengsarkar, (Sunil) Gavaskar, (Rohit) Sharma, and then of course the Gates. It’s an association that is rich in tradition. And above all, winners. They win more than anybody else,” Shastri said.Encouraging aspiring players to follow Mumbai’s traditional route, Shastri added: “So to get upstairs there, you have got to work your backside off. It won’t come easy. So, whoever is young, whoever is aspiring, there is no shortcut. Take those trains, take those buses, do the rounds of the maidans, play First-Class cricket as much as you can, and play whatever cricket that is available. Because that’s the only way you will become a better cricketer. The prime example is Sachin Tendulkar.”Besides the Ravi Shastri Stand – stadium gates in the name of Diana Eduji, late Dilip Sardesai and late Eknath Solkar were also unveiled. While Edulji was present, the families of Solkar and Sardesai were present to witness the tribute to stalwarts of Mumbai cricket.Shastri’s family — including his mother, wife Ritu and daughter Alekha — were present, along with several friends from his school and college days. Sunil Gavaskar, his first Test captain, Dilip Vengsarkar, his long-time Mumbai and India teammate, and Suryakumar Yadav also shared the dais.ALSO READ: IPL 2026: DDCA director Anand Verma alleges ticket fraud in Delhi“To all the cricketers I played with, thank you very much. Because without you all, this stand would have never come in my name. You were all part of it, right from school to club to wherever it goes,” Shastri said. “To my family that’s present here, without their support, I don’t think I would have made it.There is my mother there, 86, even more obsessed with the game than anyone else. She has watched Test cricket from the 1960s, right from (Gary) Sobers at the CCI to Neil Harvey to the works, Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, and her favourite was Neil Harvey. And she was a pest. You had to score every game.”MCA has zeroed in on stadium plot: CM FadnavisMeanwhile, Fadnavis revealed that the state government has extended full support to the Mumbai Cricket Association’s plan to build a 1-lakh capacity stadium in Navi Mumbai.“Everyone feels that Mumbai should host the big final, that’s why Mumbai needs a bigger stadium. All of them are working towards it. We overviewed a plot of land in Navi Mumbai recently along with Ajinkya (Naik, MCA president). We have almost finalised a piece of land that’s very well connected. I am sure we will come up with the best stadium in the country,” he said.Published on Apr 09, 2026  #Gates #honour #Shastri #Edulji #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium

IPL 2026: DDCA director Anand Verma alleges ticket fraud in Delhi

“To all the cricketers I played with, thank you very much. Because without you all, this stand would have never come in my name. You were all part of it, right from school to club to wherever it goes,” Shastri said. “To my family that’s present here, without their support, I don’t think I would have made it.

There is my mother there, 86, even more obsessed with the game than anyone else. She has watched Test cricket from the 1960s, right from (Gary) Sobers at the CCI to Neil Harvey to the works, Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, and her favourite was Neil Harvey. And she was a pest. You had to score every game.”

MCA has zeroed in on stadium plot: CM Fadnavis

Meanwhile, Fadnavis revealed that the state government has extended full support to the Mumbai Cricket Association’s plan to build a 1-lakh capacity stadium in Navi Mumbai.

“Everyone feels that Mumbai should host the big final, that’s why Mumbai needs a bigger stadium. All of them are working towards it. We overviewed a plot of land in Navi Mumbai recently along with Ajinkya (Naik, MCA president). We have almost finalised a piece of land that’s very well connected. I am sure we will come up with the best stadium in the country,” he said.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Gates #honour #Shastri #Edulji #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium">Gates in honour of Shastri, Edulji unveiled at Wankhede Stadium

Ravi Shastri, the former India captain, urged young Mumbai cricketers to embrace the grind and uphold the city’s rich cricketing legacy after the Ravi Shastri Stand was unveiled at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

“It’s an honour. It’s a privilege to get it on the ground,” Shastri said moments after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the stand on the north side of the stadium in the presence of Shastri’s family, including his 86-year-old mother Lakshmi.

Reflecting on the illustrious names already associated with the venue, Shastri emphasised the standards expected of Mumbai cricketers. “When you look at the names there (for various stands), (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Dilip) Vengsarkar, (Sunil) Gavaskar, (Rohit) Sharma, and then of course the Gates. It’s an association that is rich in tradition. And above all, winners. They win more than anybody else,” Shastri said.

Encouraging aspiring players to follow Mumbai’s traditional route, Shastri added: “So to get upstairs there, you have got to work your backside off. It won’t come easy. So, whoever is young, whoever is aspiring, there is no shortcut. Take those trains, take those buses, do the rounds of the maidans, play First-Class cricket as much as you can, and play whatever cricket that is available. Because that’s the only way you will become a better cricketer. The prime example is Sachin Tendulkar.”

Besides the Ravi Shastri Stand – stadium gates in the name of Diana Eduji, late Dilip Sardesai and late Eknath Solkar were also unveiled. While Edulji was present, the families of Solkar and Sardesai were present to witness the tribute to stalwarts of Mumbai cricket.

Shastri’s family — including his mother, wife Ritu and daughter Alekha — were present, along with several friends from his school and college days. Sunil Gavaskar, his first Test captain, Dilip Vengsarkar, his long-time Mumbai and India teammate, and Suryakumar Yadav also shared the dais.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: DDCA director Anand Verma alleges ticket fraud in Delhi

“To all the cricketers I played with, thank you very much. Because without you all, this stand would have never come in my name. You were all part of it, right from school to club to wherever it goes,” Shastri said. “To my family that’s present here, without their support, I don’t think I would have made it.

There is my mother there, 86, even more obsessed with the game than anyone else. She has watched Test cricket from the 1960s, right from (Gary) Sobers at the CCI to Neil Harvey to the works, Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, and her favourite was Neil Harvey. And she was a pest. You had to score every game.”

MCA has zeroed in on stadium plot: CM Fadnavis

Meanwhile, Fadnavis revealed that the state government has extended full support to the Mumbai Cricket Association’s plan to build a 1-lakh capacity stadium in Navi Mumbai.

“Everyone feels that Mumbai should host the big final, that’s why Mumbai needs a bigger stadium. All of them are working towards it. We overviewed a plot of land in Navi Mumbai recently along with Ajinkya (Naik, MCA president). We have almost finalised a piece of land that’s very well connected. I am sure we will come up with the best stadium in the country,” he said.

Published on Apr 09, 2026

#Gates #honour #Shastri #Edulji #unveiled #Wankhede #Stadium
Deadspin | Tom Watson: PGA Tour reneged on promise with Brooks Koepka’s return  Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Honorary starter Tom Watson reacts after teeing off on the first hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images   AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tom Watson didn’t mince words when asked his thoughts on the special conditions the PGA Tour created in order for Brooks Koepka to make an immediate return to the tour this year after leaving LIV Golf.  “The Tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV. They felt that the compensation that he’s paid is good enough,” Watson said on Thursday after serving as an honorary starter for the 90th Masters Tournament.  “I thought the LIV players, when they left, they were supposed to be banned for life. If I was commissioner, that’s what I would do. I’d say if you’re finished with your contract with LIV Golf, if you want to play the PGA Tour again, you come back, and you must play the Korn Ferry Tour for a year to qualify for it.”  Koepka’s return came via the PGA Tour’s hastily created Returning Member Program in January. As part of the conditions for his immediate reinstatement, Koepka agreed to a five-year forfeiture of participation in the player equity program that PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said could amount to a -85 million penalty. Koepka also has agreed to make a  million charity donation and must play his way into signature events.  Other LIV players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith turned down the highly polarizing offer from the tour. Wyndham Clark and Hideki Matsuyama, two players who reportedly turned down lucrative offers to join LIV Golf, were among those who admitted feeling conflicted by Koepka’s return.   Clark said in January that he was torn by the decision, feeling like Koepka was “able to get the cake and also eat it.” Matsuyama told Golf Digest Japan that he was “shocked” by Koepka’s return and that while he admired his courage for making the decision, he was also puzzled by the tour’s lack of communication around the situation.  Watson’s view comes outside of the ropes and financial decisions that were made by individuals. A winner of 39 PGA Tour events, including eight majors, who joined the tour in 1971, Watson can’t look past what he views as the most negative impact players had by signing with the Saudi-backed league beginning in 2022.  “When the players left, they violated the No. 1 rule that we really had out here, which is to protect the sponsors,” he said. “Sponsors need players. They need the names to be able to promote their tournaments. If the players play wherever they want to play without a conflicting-event rule — where you had to seek the permission of the PGA Tour to play in a tournament opposite of a PGA Tour tournament — the sponsors would be hurt by that. I think we all understood that.  “When the players left for LIV, I think it was basically over. They chose to go for the money, which is fine. But to return to the tour, I thought, was a nonstarter. But apparently it’s not.”  –Derek Harper, Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tom #Watson #PGA #Tour #reneged #promise #Brooks #Koepkas #returnApr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Honorary starter Tom Watson reacts after teeing off on the first hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tom Watson didn’t mince words when asked his thoughts on the special conditions the PGA Tour created in order for Brooks Koepka to make an immediate return to the tour this year after leaving LIV Golf.

“The Tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV. They felt that the compensation that he’s paid is good enough,” Watson said on Thursday after serving as an honorary starter for the 90th Masters Tournament.

“I thought the LIV players, when they left, they were supposed to be banned for life. If I was commissioner, that’s what I would do. I’d say if you’re finished with your contract with LIV Golf, if you want to play the PGA Tour again, you come back, and you must play the Korn Ferry Tour for a year to qualify for it.”

Koepka’s return came via the PGA Tour’s hastily created Returning Member Program in January. As part of the conditions for his immediate reinstatement, Koepka agreed to a five-year forfeiture of participation in the player equity program that PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said could amount to a $50-85 million penalty. Koepka also has agreed to make a $5 million charity donation and must play his way into signature events.


Other LIV players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith turned down the highly polarizing offer from the tour. Wyndham Clark and Hideki Matsuyama, two players who reportedly turned down lucrative offers to join LIV Golf, were among those who admitted feeling conflicted by Koepka’s return.

Clark said in January that he was torn by the decision, feeling like Koepka was “able to get the cake and also eat it.” Matsuyama told Golf Digest Japan that he was “shocked” by Koepka’s return and that while he admired his courage for making the decision, he was also puzzled by the tour’s lack of communication around the situation.

Watson’s view comes outside of the ropes and financial decisions that were made by individuals. A winner of 39 PGA Tour events, including eight majors, who joined the tour in 1971, Watson can’t look past what he views as the most negative impact players had by signing with the Saudi-backed league beginning in 2022.

“When the players left, they violated the No. 1 rule that we really had out here, which is to protect the sponsors,” he said. “Sponsors need players. They need the names to be able to promote their tournaments. If the players play wherever they want to play without a conflicting-event rule — where you had to seek the permission of the PGA Tour to play in a tournament opposite of a PGA Tour tournament — the sponsors would be hurt by that. I think we all understood that.

“When the players left for LIV, I think it was basically over. They chose to go for the money, which is fine. But to return to the tour, I thought, was a nonstarter. But apparently it’s not.”


–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tom #Watson #PGA #Tour #reneged #promise #Brooks #Koepkas #return">Deadspin | Tom Watson: PGA Tour reneged on promise with Brooks Koepka’s return  Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Honorary starter Tom Watson reacts after teeing off on the first hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images   AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tom Watson didn’t mince words when asked his thoughts on the special conditions the PGA Tour created in order for Brooks Koepka to make an immediate return to the tour this year after leaving LIV Golf.  “The Tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV. They felt that the compensation that he’s paid is good enough,” Watson said on Thursday after serving as an honorary starter for the 90th Masters Tournament.  “I thought the LIV players, when they left, they were supposed to be banned for life. If I was commissioner, that’s what I would do. I’d say if you’re finished with your contract with LIV Golf, if you want to play the PGA Tour again, you come back, and you must play the Korn Ferry Tour for a year to qualify for it.”  Koepka’s return came via the PGA Tour’s hastily created Returning Member Program in January. As part of the conditions for his immediate reinstatement, Koepka agreed to a five-year forfeiture of participation in the player equity program that PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said could amount to a -85 million penalty. Koepka also has agreed to make a  million charity donation and must play his way into signature events.  Other LIV players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith turned down the highly polarizing offer from the tour. Wyndham Clark and Hideki Matsuyama, two players who reportedly turned down lucrative offers to join LIV Golf, were among those who admitted feeling conflicted by Koepka’s return.   Clark said in January that he was torn by the decision, feeling like Koepka was “able to get the cake and also eat it.” Matsuyama told Golf Digest Japan that he was “shocked” by Koepka’s return and that while he admired his courage for making the decision, he was also puzzled by the tour’s lack of communication around the situation.  Watson’s view comes outside of the ropes and financial decisions that were made by individuals. A winner of 39 PGA Tour events, including eight majors, who joined the tour in 1971, Watson can’t look past what he views as the most negative impact players had by signing with the Saudi-backed league beginning in 2022.  “When the players left, they violated the No. 1 rule that we really had out here, which is to protect the sponsors,” he said. “Sponsors need players. They need the names to be able to promote their tournaments. If the players play wherever they want to play without a conflicting-event rule — where you had to seek the permission of the PGA Tour to play in a tournament opposite of a PGA Tour tournament — the sponsors would be hurt by that. I think we all understood that.  “When the players left for LIV, I think it was basically over. They chose to go for the money, which is fine. But to return to the tour, I thought, was a nonstarter. But apparently it’s not.”  –Derek Harper, Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tom #Watson #PGA #Tour #reneged #promise #Brooks #Koepkas #return

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