The biggest storyline heading into next week’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club will be whether any of the 18 LIV Golf League players participating in the tournament will compete to win a green jacket.
The LIV Golf League will host only 14 tournaments in its second year — with 54 holes in each event — so it is not clear if its members have played enough golf in order to be ready for the first major championship. This week’s Orlando event, Florida event, is the third.
Australia’s Cameron SmithReigning Open Championship winner, he jumped to LIV Golf last season after being questioned about his fitness.
Smith stated that “Obviously, first and foremost for myself, I’m trying [to go there] and play the best course of golf I can,” Smith said to reporters following Thursday’s Orange County National pro tournament. “I think it’s important for us all to go there, really demonstrate a high standard in golf which we all know we can do.
“Most of us will get four cracks this year.” [in the majors]We might even win. Maybe we just show great effort. For us, there’s a lot going on internally about “these guys don’t play any real golf anymore.” It’s all nonsense. To be sincere. We just want to show them that.”
The LIV Golf League contingent that will be heading to Augusta National next Monday includes past Masters champions Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Charl SchwartzelAnd Bubba Watson.
Smith, who is ranked fifth in the world, was in the top 10 in four out of five Masters starts, including a tie last year. He was three shots behind champion in the final round. Scottie SchefflerHe finished fifth with a 1-over-73, 5 shots behind Johnson. Smith finished second at 2020 Masters, five shots behind Johnson.
Smith said, “I feel like the best golf I’ve ever played around here.” “I feel like i’ve got a pretty solid record around there.”
Smith will make his fourth start of the year at this week’s LIV Golf League Tournament. Smith missed the cut at the Saudi International in Febuary and finished sixth and 26th respectively in the first two Mexican LIV Golf events and Tucson, Arizona. He won a LIV Golf Tournament outside Chicago in September and an Australian PGA Championship in October.
Smith stated that he was not sure what kind of reception he would receive from Augusta’s PGA Tour members.
Smith said, “I’m not really sure, to be honest, I hope that it is fine.” “I have had a great career around Augusta. I hope I haven’t upset anyone. We’ll have to wait and see, but there are some guys who have a stronger position. [on LIV].”
