The ongoing battle between the PGA Tour (and the breakaway LIV golf league) continues to be one the most important stories in men’s professional golf. But past Masters champions are not a part of this storyline. Patrick Reed Bubba WatsonIt won’t be a distraction for Augusta National Golf Club next Wednesday, insists the club.
Reed spoke to reporters before the LIV Golf League tournament at Orange County National, Orlando, Florida. He stated Wednesday that the first major championship in the season will not be about competing circuits.
Augusta National Golf Club chose to keep the same qualifying criteria as in the past to determine the field of the 87th Masters. The 89-man field includes 18 players from the LIV Golf League, as well as four past champions. Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson Charl Schwartzel.
Reed stated, “Obviously, the media will be covering LIV versus PGA Tour and all the rest of it, but the truth is that at the majors top players in the world go and play against each other, no matter where they come.” “It’s going to continue as normal for us, at least for me, going out and playing.”
Reed, who won a green Jacket in 2018, stated that having a LIV Golf League player win The Masters would give credibility to the circuit, which has just entered its second season.
“Ofcourse, would I love to see LIV at the top?” Reed agreed. “But, really, it’s all about us going in and trying to play the greatest golf we can and being ready for the four largest weeks of this year.”
Mickelson is expected to return to the Masters after missing the event last season for the first time since 1994. After controversial comments made by Fred Ridley, Masters chairman last year, Mickelson said he didn’t want to play.
Watson, a twotime Masters winner, stated that he has recently played practice rounds in Augusta National. Johnson was also there last week. Reed was there with Johnson. Harold Varner IIIAnother LIV Golf player, who qualified by finishing in top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings last year.
Watson stated, “I’m going be honest, man.” It’s only awkward in media. I’ve spoken to people who are going to be there. I’m going. Jason Day [Cameron]Young in the Par 3. Some guys have asked me to play some practice round.
Media is the only one pushing it. I have nothing against anyone. I don’t care if you move jobs. You can always report for someone else. Keep at it.”
Brooks KoepkaFour-time major championship winner, he said he was there with PGA Tour stars Justin Thomas Rory McIlroyOn Tuesday, Jupiter, Florida
Koepka stated, “We see each others quite a lot.” “It’s a lot of conversations. Rory and me talked for 30 minutes about the ball and all of the other things going on. Based on what I’ve witnessed, no one is mad at anybody.”
McIlroy is one of the most outspoken opponents to the LIV Golf League. It filed a federal lawsuit against the PGA Tour. LIV Golf filed a countersuit against LIV Golf alleging that it interfered in its contracts with players. The trial is set to begin in January.
Watson said McIlroy was “Protecting its entity, man.” “He’s protecting the business of McIlroy, which is fine.”
Koepka stated, “But I also don’t think that means anything personal to any of us.”
Watson insists that he will not bring an “us against them” attitude to Augusta National.
Watson replied, “No, I’m trying beat them all.”
