Watson, Reed expect no LIV Golf-PGA Tour tensions at Masters
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Bubba Watson in action at the LIV Golf Invitational - Tucson, on March 18, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona.
PHOTO: AFP
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WASHINGTON – Former Masters champions Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed said on Wednesday they do not expect awkward moments and tension when LIV Golf and PGA Tour players meet at next week’s Masters.
Speaking ahead of the LIV Golf event at Orlando which tees off on Thursday, the duo and four-time Major winner Brooks Koepka said the world’s top players plan on routine situations at Augusta National despite the ongoing feud.
The Saudi-backed LIV series lured several big names from the PGA, prompting the United States-based tour to ban those who jumped to the rebel series for record US$25 million (S$33.2 million) purses and 54-hole events.
While a court battle is set to play out into 2024, Major tournaments have not restricted qualifying, making them the only stage where LIV and PGA players will face each other.
“I’m going to be honest, man. It’s only awkward in the media,” two-time Masters winner Watson said.
“I’ve talked to people that are going to be there. I’m going to sign up with (PGA players) Jason Day and Cam Young in the par-three.
“Some guys have already asked me to play some practice rounds.”
Watson added that he is trying “to beat them all” regardless of where they play while Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, said every player is simply fighting for the green jacket which is symbolic of Masters supremacy.
“The storylines are going to be obviously LIV versus PGA Tour and all that kind of stuff,” Reed said.
“But, at the Majors, all the guys that come in, top players in the world, are playing against each other no matter where they come from. It doesn’t matter what tour they’re on or anything.
“It’s the top guys going and trying to play for one of the most coveted events in the world.
“It’s going to be business as usual going out and playing.”
Two-time US Open champion Koepka, still eligible for the Masters thanks to his most recent Major triumph at the 2019 PGA Championship, said he often spends time with PGA Major winners like Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy near their homes in Jupiter, Florida.
“That’s one of the big things,” Koepka said.
“Down in Jupiter, I was just with Rory and J.T. yesterday, and I think Keegan (Bradley) was there.
“We see each other quite a bit. There are a lot of conversations. I was talking with Rory for probably about 30 minutes... No one is angry at anybody, from what I’ve seen.”
Brooks Koepka in action during the LIV Golf Invitational - Tucson, on March 18, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona.
PHOTO: AFP
Northern Irishman McIlroy has been a huge supporter of the PGA and the changes it has made to create more top-level events for bigger purses.
“Protecting his entity, man. He’s protecting his business, which is fine,” added Watson.
Opposite sides of a business decision, Koepka insisted, will not mean animosity at Augusta, the first Major of 2023.
“I also don’t think that means anything personal with any of us,” the 32-year-old American said.
“I’ve had relationships with them – I’ve known J.T. 13, 14 years maybe; Rory for the last 10 years. It’s not anything (like) we don’t see each other normally.”
AFP
