The LIV Golf stars who are set to compete in The Masters have agreed not to wear the circuit’s logo at Augusta.
Despite joining the Saudi-backed circuit last year, and the threat from the PGA banning them from majors, members of the controversial Saudi-backed circuit will feature at the Augusta National Golf Club. Fans will have a keen eye on the 18 LIV rebels competing at The Masters as those from the Saudi-backed circuit will do their utmost to try and spoil the party and win the Green Jacket.
But according to The Telegraph, following a meeting prior to the tournament, the 18 LIV players set to feature at The Masters will ditch the branding on their bags, shorts and caps “out of respect to the tournament”. However, those without existing deals with apparel sponsors will still don their LIV team outfits.
Open champion and LIV star Cameron Smith arrived in Augusta equipped as he has brought replacement outfits for the week. “I have another set of clothes made up this week without them [the team logos],” he said. “We haven't really heard much from Augusta National about the logos. For me personally, I'm really proud of where I'm at and what I'm doing. Unless it's a problem for these guys, I'm going to wear it.”
Another LIV star Brooks Koepka, who won an eye-watering £3.25million first prize at the circuit’s Orlando event this weekend, is looking forward to competing against the PGA players once again. “It'll just be good to see all the good players playing again in the same field,” the four-time major winner said.
“It's the first time we'll have seen it in a long time and it's exciting. I do miss playing against Rory and Scottie and I'm sure they miss playing against us. That's going to make Augusta even more special. If a LIV player does win, I think it will be a huge statement for LIV.”
Ahead of trying to win his first Green Jacket, McIlroy, a fierce critic of LIV Golf, shared his thoughts on any potential interactions with his rivals. “If Cam [Smith] and I end up going at it in Augusta, is there an added element for the viewing public? 100%.," the world No. 2 said. "But for Cam and I, it will only be about trying to win the Masters.
“That’s what it comes down to. I’ve been asked about getting paired with any of the LIV guys. We are all in our own heads enough, trying to be prepared and trying to win arguably the biggest tournament in the world that the other stuff pales in comparison to the achievement of winning a Masters.”
Six LIV rebels in Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Charl Schwartzel, Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia featured in the customary photo taken at the Masters Champions Dinner last night. Many expected some fireworks due to last year's defections to LIV Golf and the ongoing feud with the PGA Tour. But Sir Nick Faldo, winner of three Masters crowns, 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. Echoing his sentiments, 1979 winner Fuzzy Zoeller added: “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.”
