Augusta, Georgia – Ahead of the prestigious Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Fred Couples shared his thoughts on the LIV Golf Tour and its competitors during a recent interview. As a former Masters champion and a seasoned golfer, Couples has been invested in the PGA Tour for over four decades. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he is vocal about his critiques of golfers who have defected to the breakaway circuit.
Couples praises elite golfers during Champions Dinner
Despite his criticisms of Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, two marquee signings for the LIV Golf Tour, Couples does not expect any awkward moments during the Champions Dinner. The veteran golfer is seated with elite golfers and is looking forward to a great dinner. He would love to be paired with Mickelson on the course someday.
During interviews leading up to the tournament, Couples praised golfers such as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas as well as former champions Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. He also acknowledged how difficult it is to qualify for the Masters.
Couples doubles down on criticisms of Mickelson and Garcia
When asked about his comments describing Mickelson as a “nutbag” and Garcia as a “clown”, Couples did not back down. He believes that he and other PGA Tour players work hard to keep their tour successful, and they do not appreciate criticisms from those who have left.
Mickelson was a marquee signing for the LIV Golf Tour with a contract worth $200 million. Meanwhile, Garcia expressed his discontent with the PGA Tour during one of his final events before joining the breakaway circuit. Both are among six former Masters champions who defected to LIV Golf.
Couples called himself and LIV players “the same things”, but he thinks they should play golf and avoid bashing the PGA Tour.
Couples respects all golfers but defends his criticisms
Couples respects all golfers, whether they play on the PGA Tour or LIV Golf. However, if they make comments regarding the tour he plays, he will make a comment back. He also thinks that the 18 LIV players qualified for this year’s Masters should have been given invitations to play, and is willing to talk with any of the players who joined the breakaway circuit.
Couples believes that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but players should focus on playing golf instead of getting caught up in drama.
Couples refrains from addressing LIV Tour during Champions Dinner
Despite his previous outspokenness about the LIV Golf Tour and its competitors, Couples refrained from discussing the contentious topic during the prestigious Champions Dinner. The dinner included Texasthemed food and six LIV rebels mingling with their PGA Tour counterparts.
While Mickelson kept a low profile during the dinner and did not speak, other LIV rebels such as Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Charl Schwartzel were present.
Couples defended his critiques of Mickelson and Garcia, stating that as an experienced golfer with 43 years invested in the PGA Tour, he has earned the right to speak out about his concerns.
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