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Worlds collide as LIV Golfers and PGA Tour pros meet at 2023 Masters
LIV Golfers aim to prove their worth at Augusta National
As the 2023 Masters approaches, LIV Golfers and PGA Tour professionals are preparing to face off at Augusta National. Cameron Smith, a fifth-ranked player in the world who switched to LIV Golf after winning the Open Championship, stated that his contingent is looking forward to displaying a high standard of golf at the event. Smith, along with other big names such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, is among the eighteen LIV golfers who have been invited to compete at Augusta.
LIV Golfers defend their reputation against the claims of detractors
LIV Golf, which is sponsored by the Saudi Arabia wealth fund, has sparked controversy since its formation. Saudi Arabia has been accused of human rights violations, and the royal family and government members were charged with involvement in the murder of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist, Jamal Khashoggi. The intermingling of LIV golfers and PGA Tour pros might be uncomfortable for some, as revealed by the comments of Joaquin Niemann, who claimed that PGA Tour players “hate” LIV golfers, and Bryson DeChambeau, who insinuated that Tiger Woods has severed ties since he joined the LIV Golf ranks.
PGA Tour pros offer mixed opinions about the upcoming event
Despite criticisms of LIV Golf, the 2023 Masters promises to be an exciting showdown. Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson have downplayed any hard feelings between the two sides and said things should be “business as usual.” However, it remains to be seen how players will perform and what effect emotions will have.
Credit: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/masters/2023/03/31/masters-liv-golf-pga-tour-players-comment-augusta-national/11577230002/
