Golf star Bubba Watson has suggested any claims of 'awkwardness' between PGA Tour players and their LIV rivals have been overexaggerated by the media.
As the LIV Golf League approaches the anniversary of its arrival as an unprecedented competitor to the sport's establishment, reports of simmering tensions between the two sides continue to emerge. But Watson sought to downplay any notion of friction between players ahead of the third event in the second year of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League.
“I'm going to be honest, man. It's only awkward in the media,” Watson told reporters at Orange County National in Orlando, Florida. “I've talked to people that are going to be there. I'm going to sign up with Jason Day and Cam Young in the par-three. Some guys have already asked me to play some practice rounds.
“[The] media is the only one that is pushing it. I have nothing against anybody. If you change jobs, I'm not mad at you. If you start reporting for somebody else, hey, man, it's a better decision for you and your family. Have at it.”
It would make sense that those under the LIV banner might hold fewer grudges compared to their PGA counterparts given they're the ones breaking from the sport's traditional channels. While Watson may not have experienced much in terms of tensions first-hand, his comments fail to acknowledge the comments and jibes that have played out in public, some of which could easily be interpreted as 'awkward'.
Who do you think will win the 2023 Masters? Let us know in the comments section.
Tiger Woods has been openly critical of the breakaway competition over the past year, questioning the motivation to play in a contest with no cuts, guaranteed purses and no heritage. The 15-time major-winner has also said he's unsure how he'll react to certain former colleagues at this year's Masters Champions Dinner, commenting in February that "some of our friendships have certainly taken a different path."
And then there's the infamous case of Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, who played out a new rivalry in public view at the Dubai Desert Classic in January. It was reported Reed threw a tee at the Northern Irishman after he rejected his greeting, but McIlroy questioned why he'd expect anything else given he's being sued by the LIV dissident.
"I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve," said McIlroy at the time. "So of course, trying to have a nice time with my family and someone shows up on your doorstep and delivers that, you're not going to take that well.
"So again, I'm living in reality, I don't know where he's living. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't expect a hello or a handshake.”
Brooks Koepka appeared alongside Watson in Florida and said he was "just with Rory and [ Justin Thomas ]," insisting "no-one's angry with anybody." However, certain players on the PGA Tour may give a different account of matters if they were to speak candidly on the subject.
