PGA and LIV Stars Battle for Masters Supremacy – The showdown between the US Professional Golfers Association and LIV Golf League parbusters will take centerstage in the 87th Masters on April 6-9 at the Augusta National in Georgia. Once again, the two rival groups will play in the four-day tournament and 18 LIV Golf players will play into the Masters, including seven of the past 13 green jacket winners. The PGA banned LIV players to compete in the PGA Tour and this provoked a trial slated to begin in 2024. Only major tournaments – The Masters, British Open, PGA Championship and US Open – allowed LIV and PGA players who qualify compete in their events. Experts and pundits betting for golf expect The Masters as another battle between LIV Golf and PGA Tour parbusters.
No changes in Masters Qualifying – Ridley
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley announced in December 2022 that there would be no qualifying changes. Ridley, however, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the split, saying that it has divided the sport by “diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it.” Despite the situation, the chairman said that the objective to honor the tradition by gathering the best players around the world will continue for this year’s Masters. Ridley said that the Augusta National still has faith in the sport to endure the tough times that it is happening right now.
PGA and LIV Stars Battle for Masters Supremacy – PGA Tour Responds to LIV Golf Innovations
The US PGA has improved its tournaments and held more big-money events with smaller fields. Fifteen-time major winner Tiger Woods said that the emergence of LIV Golf has caused turbulence while four-time major winner Rory McIlroy said that all players have benefitted from the emergence of the fledgling league. He added that the rivalry has brought a “massive impact on the game.” Several LIV players qualified for the Masters express hope that the issue will not create awkward moments or tense pairings in the four-day tournament. Former Masters champions Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia are looking forward to seeing their former rivals once again and they will not try to make a big deal out of the issue. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler hopes for a peaceful week as he seeks to retain the crown and 2018 champion and LIV Golf regular Patrick Reed expects it will be business as usual. Two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson sees McIlroy’s previous comments on LIV as a way to protect business while four-time major winner Brooks Koepka hopes that no tensions will take place between rival groups in the major event.
Pundits who focus on sports picks and parlays hope that the event would bring excitement and less tensions between the golfers of either side once the Masters begin on April 6. All golf fanatics are hoping that the tournament will be eventful and dramatic where they can also bet on their favorite players and hope that their picks are correct.
