Fred Couples says players will never go to LIV Golf ‘for free’ and the league’s ‘not changing a thing’

“But for $400 million it’s a great product, and it’s a great show? My a**.”

Fred Couples has trolled LIV Golf and its members on several occasions, including calling Phil Mickelson a “nutbag” and Sergio Garcia a “clown.” Well, he did it again Monday night on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio.

While Couples doesn’t have a problem with PGA Tour players — the most recent being world No. 3 Jon Rahm — making the move to the Saudi-backed circuit for the money, he also doesn’t want to hear them spew recycled lines about how great the product is.

“$100 million doesn’t get it, $200 million doesn’t get it, $300 million doesn’t get it, but for $400 million it’s a great product, and it’s a great show?” Couples said. “My a**, OK. Tell me the next guy, whether it’s Tony Finau, ‘I’m going for free, boys. I love this Tour. I don’t like the PGA Tour anymore.’ No one’s gonna do that.”

Finau announced Monday he’s not going anywhere.

“I wanna see the next superstar say, ‘I’m going to LIV, you know why I’m going? Because it is unreal.’” (The PGA Tour plays) Riviera, and they play TPC, Phoenix in front of 300,000 people. I want ’em to go for free. Then go on CNN, and every TV show, and say why they’re going is because it’s that good,Couples said.

At the 2022 U.S. Open, Rahm said the LIV format “is not really appealing to me. Shotgun three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple.”  He also added: “Will our lifestyle change if I got $400 million? No, it will not change one bit,” he said.

Well, things changed for the Spaniard over the last year and a half.

“Obviously the past two years there’s been a lot of evolving on the game of golf, things have changed a lot and so have I,” Rahm said when he signed with LIV. “Seeing the growth of LIV Golf, seeing the evolution of LIV Golf and innovation is something that has really captured my attention.”

Despite LIV’s unique format and schedule, Couples says the league isn’t changing anything.

“Don’t sit there and then go on and say ‘they’re changing the game,'” he said. “What are they changing? Actually, for 50 years, golf has been changed. Arnold Palmer changed it. Jack Nicklaus changed it. Tiger Woods changed it.

“The LIV Tour ain’t changing a thing.”

Q&A: Zach Johnson on being ‘a gnat,’ the U.S. alpha and how Tiger Woods will be the 13th man for Team USA

“I’m kind of like a gnat, like I just hang around, you know.”

By just about any measurement, Zach Johnson has exceeded expectations for his playing career.

The former Drake University golfer wasn’t even the No. 1 player on his team but, as he put it, he just kept getting better every year. So much so that he would go on to claim 12 PGA Tour titles, including two major championships, the 2007 Masters and 2015 British Open played at the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. In doing so, he became only the sixth golfer to win majors at St. Andrews and Augusta National joining an exclusive group of players which includes Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

In February 2022, Johnson was named Team USA captain for the Ryder Cup, which begins Sept. 29 in Rome at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club,

Johnson has represented the U.S. side in the Ryder Cup five times as a player, being part of the winning team in 2016, and compiling an 8-7-2 record. Johnson has also served as a vice captain in the last two editions of the biennial contest in 2018 and 2021.

Attempting to win on European soil, something the American side hasn’t done in 30 years, sounds like an enormous task but Johnson just might be the right person for the job. Last week, while competing at the Fortinet Championship in Napa, California, Johnson sat down exclusively with Golfweek for the following Q&A.

Fred Couples is again at ease with Steve Flesch’s son as his caddie

Griffin Flesch has grown up with Couples, and the two have a certain comfort level that shines through.

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The last time Fred Couples found himself holding the trophy after a PGA Tour Champions event — back in October at the SAS Championship in North Carolina — he had the son of Steve Flesch on his bag. Although he occasionally caddies for his dad, Griffin Flesch has grown up with Couples, and the two have a certain comfort level that shines through quickly as they walk the course.

This week, Couples has the younger Flesch as his caddie once again at the Shaw Charity Classic in Calgary, Alberta, and the magic seems to have resurfaced, as the 14-time Champions winner used a birdie on the final hole of the day to post a solid 68, putting him in a tie for 13th place after the opening round.

But Couples’ demands of Griffin Flesch are different than when he caddies for his father.

Griffin said Couples simply wants a number to the flag when he’s in the heat of battle, but Flesch asks for the front, back and sometimes drags him 20 yards in the rough for a precise number.

“Well, I’m in the rough, too. Don’t let him kid you, his father hits the ball very, very clean,” Couples joked in advance of the opening round. “I’ve known Grif since he was young, and we’ve had lunches and sat. I don’t even know really how it worked, I said you want to caddie and he picked the right week. And then he’s going to caddie there again this year.

“I love the kid. We’re going to have a good time.”

Flesch also played well in the opening round, posting an identical 68, and he said having his son on-site is a real treat, even if he’s caddying for a competitor.

The win at the SAS was special for the Flesch family, which has included Couples in a group text chain for years, largely talking about other sports. At SAS, Couples didn’t start the round smoothly, but things improved as the week went on.

“I opened up with a double on the first hole and I’m like, ‘Hey, Grif, nice to have you out here,’ ” Couples joked. “Ended up playing well. Then the second day played well, and then the last day was just, you know. He did a phenomenal job. He gets every yardage, he read a lot of putts. You know, I think it was maybe easier for both of us that I had a big lead because when you’re only one up and you don’t know the guy that well, you can bark at him a little bit to make you feel better.

“I didn’t really need to bark at Grif on the back nine because I was birdieing every hole.”

For Steve Flesch, who has three Champions titles under his belt, seeing his son enjoy success on a pro circuit was something special.

“Griffin has always had this insane passion for all aspects of golf,” Steve Flesch told PGA Tour.com. after the victory last year. “He played in college at Xavier in Cincinnati, then just lost it, and transferred to Kentucky. He has now found his game again and is better than ever. He went through a mental meat-grinder of emotions and has found loving the game, again.

“I believe Fred’s texts and friendly banter with Griff about the Dodgers and Reds, and golf, played a huge part in getting that passion back. Griffin looks up to him so much for his legacy in the game. I can’t think of anyone else he would drop everything for, to have this week. Well, hopefully me, maybe. Haha. Anyway, this was a bucket-list item in life, for Griffin. I couldn’t be happier for or prouder of my son.”

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Fred Couples says these 3 players will represent the U.S. at 2023 Ryder Cup

“I’ll say Max Homa’s gonna be in Italy.”

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On Wednesday, Scottie Scheffler became the first player to officially make the 2023 United States Ryder Cup team. This year’s biennial event will be held from Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy.

Although the U.S. vs. Europe duel is still two months away, the players destined to represent the stars and stripes have begun to cement themselves. As it stands now, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay are the other five automatic qualifiers along with Scheffler.

There are several superstars on the outside looking in, including Jordan Spieth, Max Homa and Rickie Fowler.

All three players could receive captain’s picks, but a lot can happen between now and selection time.

However, vice captain Fred Couples did give us a bit of insight during his SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio show, The Fred Couples Show. 

“Here’s the guys that are not confirmed and need to make a case,” his co-host George Downing said. “No. 7: Max Homa.”

“I’ll say Max Homa’s gonna be in Italy,” Couples replied. “I’ll say Max Homa’s gonna be in Italy, without getting anyone in trouble.”

Couples was then asked about Cameron Young.

“Cam Young will be in Italy,” Couples said.

2023 Open Championship
Max Homa of the United States walks from the 17th tee on Day One of The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on July 20, 2023 in Hoylake, England. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

How about Jordan Spieth?

“Will be in Italy,” he said.

When asked about Keegan Bradley, Couples replied: “The rest is — I’m stopping.”

Including those three players, the U.S. Ryder Cup roster looks like this: Scheffler, Clark, Harman, Koepka, Schauffele, Cantlay, Homa, Spieth and Young.

Three spots on the 12-man team remain open, with names like Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, Tony Finau, and Fowler still hoping for a phone call.

Thomas, who has a 6-2-1 record at the Ryder Cup, is struggling with his game. In a last-minute push to impress captain Zach Johnson, Thomas is playing in this week’s 3M Open and next week’s Wyndham Championship.

“I’m glad he’s playing this week. The whole world knows that JT’s gotta go to, is it Minnesota, and then Greensboro? He’s gotta go to those places and play well,” Couples said.

The six automatic qualifiers for the U.S. will be official after the BMW Championship, the second of three FedEx Cup Playoff events. After East Lake, captain Johnson will make his six captain’s picks.

But after listening to Couples, it sounds like three of those spots are already taken.

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Fred Couples will serve as vice captain for the United States at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome

The 2023 Ryder Cup is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.

On Wednesday, United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson announced he has brought on Fred Couples as a vice captain.

Couples represented the U.S. in five Ryder Cups, and this will be his third time serving as a vice captain.

“Freddie has the unique ability to relate and get along with every player, no matter their age,” Johnson said in a statement. “In turn, they respect and admire him, which ultimately creates a positive team dynamic. There’s a reason he’s been a vice captain three times. I know Freddie will do everything in his power to help our U.S. Team be successful in Italy.”

Couples was part of the winning staff in the 2021 edition at Whistling Straits.

“Competing as a player in the Ryder Cup and serving as a Vice Captain for the U.S. Team top the list of the most fulfilling weeks of my career,” Couples said in a release. “Zach is an incredible leader, and I look forward to helping him over the next five months and in Italy to bring home a victory.”

The 2023 Ryder Cup is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.

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Phil Mickelson joins list of players to finish top 10 at the Masters in four different decades

When your name is next to Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus, you’re doing something right.

AUGUSTA, GA. — Finishing in the top 10 of the Masters is an impressive accomplishment no matter the year. After all, Augusta National Golf Club isn’t for the faint of heart.

But to do so in four different decades? That’s a testament to a player’s longevity and ability to navigate Alister MacKenzie’s masterpiece among the Georgia pines.

Stats guru Justin Ray from the Twenty First Group was first to point out that Phil Mickelson had a shot to join the exclusive group of players with a top 10 this week, and Sunday afternoon he did just that.

Mickelson, who missed last year’s event after his controversial statements and move to LIV Golf, shot a 7-under 65 during the final round of the 2023 Masters to shoot up the leaderboard into a tie for second place with Brooks Koepka. A three-time winner of the green jacket (2004, 2006, 2010), Lefty has now finished inside the top 10 a whopping 15 times in more than 30 appearances at Augusta National.

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Here’s the impressive list of other players to finish top 10 at the Masters in four different decades.

Fred Couples becomes oldest player to make the cut at the Masters

Couples beat the previous mark set by Bernhard Langer by 104 days.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Earlier this week, Tiger Woods referred to Fred Couples as his dad out on the PGA Tour when he was a young professional.

On Saturday, the good friends both made Masters history.

Woods tied Couples and Gary Player for the most consecutive cuts made at Augusta National Golf Club with 23, and then Couples became the oldest competitor to make the weekend cut at 63 years, 184 days old.

Couples, winner of the 1992 Masters, beat the mark previously set by Bernhard Langer. The German finished T-29 at the 2020 Masters to set the previous record of 63 years, 80 days. Langer, winner of the 1985 and 1993 Masters, finished this year’s tournament at 5 over, two shots outside the cut.

Masters Leaderboard: Live leaderboard, schedule, tee times

Couples shot a 1-under 71 in Thursday’s first round and signed for a 3-over 74 in the second round to sit two shot inside the cut. He’ll play the third round with Mackenzie Hughes and Seamus Power starting off the 10th tee at 12:30 p.m. ET.

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Why Fred Couples is using a yellow ball at the Masters

Couples isn’t the only pro who has opted for a brightly colored ball.

Fred Couples has played on the PGA Tour Champions since 2010, but as the 1992 Masters winner, he has a lifetime invitation to the event at Augusta National Golf Club.

The 63-year-old is off to a solid start in this year’s tournament. He shot 1-under in Thursday’s Round 1, and he’s on the right side of the projected cut line as of publication at even par overall.

Masters Leaderboard: Live leaderboard, Schedule, Tee times

If you’ve been watching Couples’ run so far, you may have noticed something that differentiates him from the rest of the field: He uses a yellow golf ball.

The reason for this is quite simple — it helps him spot the ball better. He’s not the only golfer that has opted to make the switch to easier balls to track, but that doesn’t mean it’s a popular choice with everyone on the tour.

Tiger Woods told Golf.com that other golfers — himself included — often rib Couples for the choice. Woods said that he always thought yellow balls were for “hacks,” though he acknowledged that he would use one if he thought it would help his score.

“We give [Fred] grief all the time about using the yellow ball,” Woods said. “But he absolutely loves it because he can’t see anymore. You should see the front on his phone; it’s like one letter per screen.”

The yellow cover apparently provides no advantage (or disadvantage) beyond the increased visibility, but obviously, even a former Masters winner like Couples is immune from some slight mocking about it.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Fred Couples’ yellow golf ball” link=”https://pga-tour-superstore.pxf.io/oqqqDe”]

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Fred Couples calls Phil Mickelson a ‘nutbag’ and Sergio Garcia a ‘clown’

“Just go to the LIV Tour, but stop blasting something I’ve been a part of for 42 years.”

Fred Couples says he doesn’t have a problem with LIV Golf and insists he still likes Phil Mickelson.

But he clearly doesn’t like the way the PGA Tour defectors left for the upstart golf circuit financially backed Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

According to a story in the Orange County Register, Couples, speaking at a breakfast to promote the upcoming Hoag Classic in Newport Beach on the PGA Tour Champions, shared some strong opinions about the state of affairs between the two golf circuits.

“I don’t have a problem with LIV,” he said. “What my problem has been when I tweet every now and then, is what these guys say when they go to the LIV Tour.”

Couples said that players should just admit they left the PGA Tour for those humongous piles of cash. The large sums LIV used to attract players aren’t really the issue to him.

“If you’re giving Phil Mickelson $200 million at age 52 to shoot 74 and 75, God bless you,” Couples said.

Many of those who left cited a more flexible schedule that allowed for more time at home with family.

“I find that comical, because my favorite to ever play has five kids, 40 grandkids, and he has never missed anything – and that was Jack Nicklaus,” Couples said, adding that he was also bothered by “all these other clowns, like Sergio” for berating a PGA Tour rules official.

What also irked Couples was that LIV players are “all bashing the PGA Tour, and that affects me a little bit. … just go to the LIV Tour, but stop blasting something I’ve been a part of for 42 years.”

The Hoag Classic starts Friday. Couples has won the event twice.

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Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods highlight list of golfers to win the Players Championship more than once

Jack Nicklaus is the only three-time winner of the Players, and he did so at three different courses.

All jokes about being golf’s fifth major aside, the Players Championship has a knack for delivering each year.

Turnover is the main theme, seeing as no player has ever defended their title at the PGA Tour’s flagship event, which has been held annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, since 1982.

In fact, over the last 20 editions of the Players Championship, 20 different winners have hoisted the trophy. Eight past champions are in the field this week with the aim of joining the short, distinguished list of six players who have won the tournament more than once, including Jack Nicklaus, the lone three-time winner.

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