LIV Golf rebels brushed shoulders with their PGA rivals at a Masters Champions Dinner on Tuesday night ahead of the first Major of the golfing calendar.
Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Charl Schwartzel, Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia represented LIV at world No.1 Scottie Scheffler’s Texas-themed Champions Dinner, where they were treated to “Scottie-style” burgers as a starters option.
Tiger Woods, alongside 32 other Masters winners, could also choose from firecracker shrimp with sweet Thai chilli and sriracha mayo. Scheffler also followed up with Tortilla Soup served with avocado, crispy blue tortilla strips, sour cream, coriander and lime.
As a main, guests could choose between a Texas Ribeye Steak or Blackened Redfish, with sides of 'family-style' mac and cheese, jalapeno creamed corn, fried brussels sprouts and seasoned fries. Dessert was just as mouth-watering, with Scheffler putting a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie, served with milk and cookies-flavoured ice cream on the menu.
Tension and fireworks were anticipated between the six LIV rebels due to the ongoing feud with the PGA Tour. However, nothing of the sort unfolded.
Sir Nick Faldo, a three-time Masters winner, was quick to dismiss talk of any potential drama. “I’m sure you’re all wondering about the temperature in the room, it was all calm and cool. Only the tortilla soup was spicy hot!,” the 65-year-old tweeted. “We’re just 33 past champions in a room, all trying to get along. Nobody said a word about it. Phil sat near the end of the table and kept to himself. He didn’t speak at all.”
Scheffler is bidding to become just the fourth player to win two successive Green Jackets. "Just because it's The Masters and it is what it is, and it's such a special tournament that I think we build it up so much in our heads," he said in his pre-tournament press conference.
"When the tournament starts on Thursday, everybody starts even par. Just because you're defending doesn't mean I get to start at one under. I'll be approaching it just like I do a lot of other tournaments. Legacy at the end of this is not really why I play.
"With that being said, any time you can get mentioned in the same breath as a Tiger and a Jack and a Nick Faldo is really special, but it's not a motivating factor for me to come out here and play.
"It's so special and cool when it happens, but it doesn't motivate me out here. I'm just trying to come out here and do my best and play good golf and have fun.”
Rory McIlroy, who was not at the dinner as he's yet to claim a Green Jacket, has called a cease-fire when it comes to taking shots at the rival LIV Golf League.
“Look, it’s a narrative and a storyline, but the Masters and the four major championships sit above all that noise, and that’s the way it should be this week,” McIlroy said.
