Tag: LIV

‘They are going to be pretty tired on Sunday. It will be the fourth day’: Rory McIlroy is clear with his feelings towards LIV Golf presence at BMW PGA Championship

“They are playing the golf tournament. My opinion is they shouldn’t be here, but that’s just my opinion.”

Rory McIlroy had quite the finish to his 2021-22 PGA Tour season. After opening his Tour Championship with a triple bogey, he came all the way back to take down world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for his record third FedEx Cup.

Now, he’s in Surrey, England, for the BMW PGA Championship, one of the DP World Tour’s flagship events. Joining him are fellow Tour stars Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick and defending champion Billy Horschel, among others.

However, to the displeasure of many players in the field, 18 members of the LIV Golf Series will also be competing at Wentworth just a few days after their event in Boston wrapped with Dustin Johnson coming out on top thanks to a lengthy eagle putt on the first playoff hole.

“I honestly don’t think that the American guys who haven’t supported the Tour should be here. Abraham Ancer, Talor Gooch. … you’ve never played this tournament, you’ve never supported the DP World Tour,” Horschel said on Tuesday. “Why are you here? You are here for one reason only and that’s to try to get world ranking points because you don’t have it (on LIV Golf).”

BMW PGA: Picks to win | Leaderboard

On Wednesday, it was McIlroy’s turn to answer questions from the media and it’s no surprise that several of them centered around the presence of LIV members.

“It is what it is,” he said when asked about his feelings for them in the field. “They are here. They are playing the golf tournament. My opinion is they shouldn’t be here, but again that’s just my opinion. But we are all going to tee it up on the first tee tomorrow, and we are all going to go play 72 holes, which is a novelty for them at this point, and then we’ll go from there.”

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the 4th hole during the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth Golf Club on September 7, 2022, in England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

When asked if battling with a LIV member down the stretch on Sunday for the win would add additional motivation, McIlroy delivered a dig that we’ve become accustomed to over the past several months.

“I mean, I’ll be trying to win a golf tournament regardless. They are going to be pretty tired on Sunday. It will be the fourth day.”

A few of the players who’ve been busy with their 54-hole, shotgun-start events over the last few months are Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood who McIlroy has shared countless Ryder Cup moments with.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve got much of a relationship with them at the minute,” he said. “But again, if you’re just talking about Ryder Cup, that’s not the future of the Ryder Cup team.”

The next Ryder Cup isn’t until 2023, but McIlroy was asked if he’d suit up for the International Team at this month’s President Cup if he was called upon.

“One hundred percent. It’s at Quail Hollow. Have you seen me play Quail Hollow?”

It’s not an option, but fun to think about.

The four-time major champion has won three times at the North Carolina course, including the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship, the last time it held a PGA Tour event.

McIlroy’s most recent appearance at the BMW PGA came in 2019 where he tied for ninth. He won the event in 2014.

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Dustin Johnson’s red-hot putter, a 24-stroke turnaround among Saturday takeaways at LIV Golf Boston

Johnson’s last win came in February 2021 at the Saudi International.

Thirty-six holes down, 18 to go in Bolton, Massachusetts, for LIV Golf Boston at The International. The par-70 track has been challenging so far this weekend, but it has also been vulnerable to low scores.

Just ask Dustin Johnson, who used a red-hot putter to fire a second-round 7-under 63. Johnson’s last win came in February 2021 at the Saudi International.

While his fellow-newcomer Joaquin Niemann lurks near the top of the leaderboard, world No. 2 Cameron Smith fell back Saturday. He’ll need something low Sunday to give himself a chance.

If you missed the second round, here are a few takeaways from the day outside Boston.

LIV Boston: Teams | Leaderboard

Greg Norman announces LIV players will be allowed to wear shorts; Phil Mickelson says it’s ‘a long time coming’

This seems like a dream announcement for Phil Mickelson.

For the last few years, shorts during competition has been a heavily debated topic on the PGA Tour. With high temperatures during summer events, especially during the Florida swing, media and fans alike have wondered whether it’s time to allow shorts on Tour during competition — shorts have been allowed during practice rounds since February 2019.

After the first round of LIV Golf Boston at The International in Bolton, Massachusetts, Greg Norman, the CEO of the Saudi-backed league, announced via social media that LIV members will be allowed to wear shorts during competition, starting with the second round in New England.

LIV players had previously been allowed shorts during practice rounds and pro-ams.

Count Phil Mickelson among those applauding the move.

“I think this is a long time coming in the game of golf. I think it just takes a disruptor like LIV to get things done,” he said after Saturday’s second round.

“I’ve been wanting to wear shorts playing for a long while,” said Sergio Garcia. “You know, it’s nice. I think it’s just another step forward towards getting more connected with the fans, making the game younger, fresher. I’m glad that we all decided to take this step forward, and it’s fun.”

As for the on-course action Saturday, Matthew Wolff and Talor Gooch hold the first-round lead at 7 under, followed closely by newcomer Cameron Smith, who fired a 6-under 64 in his LIV debut.

Saudi Arabia has been accused of wide-ranging human rights abuses, including politically motivated killings, torture, forced disappearances and inhumane treatment of prisoners. And members of the royal family and Saudi government were accused of involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist.

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‘It looked like a good time’: Fans and newcomer Cam Smith enjoying laid-back atmosphere at LIV Golf Boston

The world No. 2 opened his LIV Golf career with a 6-under 64.

BOLTON, Mass. — LIV Golf isn’t going anywhere.

Many have already come to terms with this, but after walking around The International during the first round of LIV Golf Boston, it has officially settled in.

The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, with music blasting from seemingly every direction. It’s hard to get out of earshot of today’s hits and classic throwbacks.

The fan zone is filled with different activities including putting and chipping challenges, corn hole and offers any kind of cuisine you’re craving. And, of course, an unlimited supply of adult beverages.

Credit to the attendees, once the golf was underway, the fan zone cleared right out.

2022 LIV Golf Boston
A cleared-out fan zone once play got underway Friday at The International for LIV Golf Boston. (Photo by Riley Hamel/Golfweek)

For many in-touch golf fans, ones who keep up with the inner workings of LIV Golf and where the funding comes from, it’s impossible to separate the product from the backer. But for fans in Boston, they’re just looking to watch some golf and have a good time.

LIV Boston: Teams | Leaderboard

It’s hard to blame them. Professional golf rarely makes its way to New England anymore. The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, hosted the U.S. Open a few months ago and TPC Boston was the home of the Deutsche Bank and Northern Trust (which was last held in 2020), but outside of that, the Boston area has been starved of high-level golf.

Enter LIV.

“It looked like a good time,” golf fan Samuel Turner told Golfweek. “I’ve never been to a PGA Tour event, so thought I’d check it out.” Turner, a Massachusetts local, wasn’t able to get tickets to the U.S. Open.

World No. 2 Cam Smith seems to be enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, too.

“Mate, so excited. I feel like I’ve been to a lot of golf events and the last hour has been unreal. Can’t wait,” he told LIV announcer Dom Boulet before teeing off No. 1 Friday.

Cameron Smith of Australia during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational – Boston at The Oaks golf course at The International on September 1, 2022, in Bolton, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

On Thursday, the Aussie was all smiles playing in the pro-am with his good friend and countryman, Marc Leishman.

He was a fan favorite during the first round, with a large gallery following him step for step from the moment he pegged it.

Even late into the day, fans were jumping ahead to get a glimpse of the second-best player in the world.

2022 LIV Golf Boston
A large crowd awaits world No. 2 Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson on the 16th hole at The International during the first round of LIV Golf Boston. (Photo by Riley Hamel/Golfweek)

“I’m just here for Cam,” Stephanie Lull, a member of his traveling entourage, said.

“It was great fun out there today,” Smith said after his round. “Obviously, with DJ, nice to see a familiar face.”

The 29-year-old finished his LIV debut with a 6-under 64, thanks in part to a long eagle putt at the 18th and shots like this on 16.

However, not everyone is happy about the Saudi-backed league hosting an event in their backyard.

A group called the Massachusetts Peace Action was protesting Friday with signs that said “Saudi Money is Blood Money” and “Saudi Arabia kills journalists and kids in Yemen.”

Saudi Arabia has been accused of wide-ranging human rights abuses, including politically motivated killings, torture, forced disappearances and inhumane treatment of prisoners. And members of the royal family and Saudi government were accused of involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist.

Although the crowds weren’t overly substantial, outside of the herds following Smith and other stars like Bryson DeChambeau, expect them to expand over the holiday weekend.

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Photos: Team-themed gear floods 2022 LIV Golf Boston merchandise tent

If you’re in need of a ‘Crushers’ shirt, the merchandise tent in Boston has you covered.

BOLTON, Mass. — The LIV Golf Series is outside Boston this week for their fourth event. The breakaway league welcomed six new members in New England including world No. 2 Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Tringale, Harold Varner III, Marc Leishman and Anirban Lahiri.

The International is a New England gem and will play as a par 70 measuring just under 7,000 yards.

One of LIV Golf’s selling points is the team aspect of the competition, and the amount of squad-themed apparel in the merchandise shop reflects that.

Take a look at some of the items available in the merchandise tent at LIV Boston.

LIV Boston: Teams | Leaderboard

Between elevation change and complete seclusion, The International is an ideal venue to showcase New England golf

“There’s some very, very pretty holes, very gorgeous holes … I think it’s going to look stunning.”

BOLTON, Mass. — We’ve become numb to residential golf.

Fairways lined by massive cookie-cutter homes. A feeling of claustrophobia over every shot. Losing a golf ball in a yard and having to leave it there because of a “No Golfers Beyond This Point” sign.

Many of us have accepted playing tracks like this every Sunday because that’s what’s nearby. That’s what’s convenient.

It’s no different in professional golf.

The majority of the incredible courses the best players in the world compete on every week are surrounded by housing developments that take a bit away from the experience.

LIV Boston: Teams | Leaderboard

This week outside Boston, that won’t be a problem.

The International, the host of this week’s LIV Golf Series event, is the perfect escape. As soon as players tee off the first tee (or 2nd, or 3rd — guess it all depends on what hole they draw in the shotgun start), they’ll be in complete seclusion. Dense tree lines create a feeling of separation between you and the rest of the course, something you rarely experience in professional golf.

“There’s some very, very pretty holes, very gorgeous holes. Like on TV, I think it’s going to look stunning as well,” LIV-newcomer Anirban Lahiri said Wednesday. “I think visually and in terms of make the broadcast, it’s going to be extremely enjoyable. I know playing it is going to be very much a lot of fun.”

The often severe elevation change will take credit for the incredible viewing experience. After walking much of the golf course, players will be lucky to find an even lie.

One hole encapsulated the golf course perfectly — the par-3 4th.

A stunning view, uninterrupted golf and a sharp downhill drop. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Another example is the very next hole, the par-4 5th.

After a lengthy walk from the fourth green, the fifth feels like its own world. Heavy tree insulation makes it impossible to see a conjoining hole, leaving the players to worry only about their next shot.

2022 LIV Boston
The par-4 5th at The International in Bolton, Massachusetts.

Fans aren’t the only ones excited to have professional golf in this region again — players sound pretty jacked up, too.

“First of all, love coming to New England. This is a great sporting town,” Cameron Tringale said Wednesday.

“I’ve played a few times. Obviously, the Travelers has been a venue I’d love to go back to. I’ve played TPC Boston a few times in the Playoffs. Some phenomenal golf courses, and the International is definitely right up there,” Lahiri added.

“Yeah, I love coming here, especially how beautiful the golf course looks,” Joaquin Niemann said.

With eyes on New England, The International seems poised to deliver.

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Photos: 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Boston at The International

World No. 2 Cameron Smith is set to make his LIV debut in New England this week.

BOLTON, Mass. — The LIV Golf Series is outside Boston this week at The International. The field has several additions since the breakaway league last teed it up at Trump Bedminster, adding world No. 2 Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Harold Varner III, Cameron Triangle, Marc Leishman and Anirban Lahiri.

The usual cast of characters is also in the field including Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka.

Bubba Watson is there as non-playing team captain. He’s recovering from knee surgery.

The 54-hole shotgun-start event will run Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4.

The International is a par-70 track and will measure just under 7,000 yards (subject to change based on setup).

Check out some of the best images from the week outside Boston.

LIV Boston: Teams | Leaderboard

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Source: Cameron Young ‘strongly inclined’ to remain on PGA Tour, turn down LIV Golf

“He has been contacted by them, but at this point is very strongly inclined to remain on the PGA Tour.”

Cameron Young may not be going anywhere.

The likely PGA Tour Rookie of the Year was linked to the upstart LIV Golf tour by The Times UK on Wednesday, but a person close to the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue said the 25-year-old isn’t likely to join the Saudi-backed league.

Young has seven top-three finishes this season and was runner-up to Cameron Smith at St. Andrew’s last month in the 150th Open Championship. Smith is reportedly set to jump to LIV Golf after the 2022 FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Young, a former Wake Forest standout, entered this week 10th on the PGA Tour money list with $6.3 million in 22 events.

“He has been contacted by them, but at this point is very strongly inclined to remain on the PGA Tour,” the source said.

Multiple reports Tuesday had Smith heading to LIV Golf after the playoffs, which begin Thursday with the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Young has enjoyed a whirlwind season. He did not have status on any professional tour last spring but played his way onto the Korn Ferry Tour and won twice there in 2021. He missed the cut at the Masters and the U.S. Open but tied for third at the PGA Championship before placing second behind Smith at the British last month. Young is currently 17th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Players who have signed on with the breakaway league have either resigned their PGA Tour memberships or have been suspended from playing on the PGA Tour. A federal judge Tuesday allowed that suspension to stand, denying a temporary restraining order sought by three LIV golfers seeking to play in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

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Bubba Watson, headed for LIV Golf, announces resignation from PGA Tour

Two-time Masters champ isn’t expected to make his LIV debut until 2023.

On July 29, the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf Series announced two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson as their latest addition.

However, Watson has been recovering from a torn meniscus and has missed the majority of 2022. He won’t tee it up this year and wants “to be 100%” before making his debut in 2023.

Now, less than two weeks later, Watson has announced on social media that he has resigned from the PGA Tour.

Watson’s last win on Tour came at the 2018 Travelers Championship, an event he’s won three times, and he’s fallen all the way to No. 90 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Saudi Arabia has been accused of wide-ranging human rights abuses, including politically motivated killings, torture, forced disappearances and inhumane treatment of prisoners. And members of the royal family and Saudi government were accused of involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist.

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‘I think they’ve been brainwashed’: Billy Horschel doesn’t hold back on LIV members who think they’ll play on PGA Tour again

“I’ve had some of them tell me, ‘I’ll see you on Tour again.’ I said, ‘No you won’t.'”

Billy Horschel has been crystal clear on his LIV Golf stance from the beginning.

“There’s a lot of guys that are hypocrites, that aren’t telling the truth, that are lying about some things, that I, just, I can’t stand to sit here anymore and be diplomatic about it,” he said June 5 before the Genesis Scottish Open.

Well, add Wednesday’s quote to his long list of digs toward not only the Saudi-backed circuit, but all the players who have joined the league.

“I think they’ve been brainwashed. The way they feel so adamant that they’re going to be back on the PGA Tour,” he told Golf Channel.

Three LIV members were denied entry into the Fedex Cup Playoffs after Judge Beth Labson Freeman ruled in the PGA Tour’s favor at Tuesday’s court hearing. Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones filed for a temporary restraining order last week as part of a larger antitrust lawsuit against the Tour.

“I think where the resentment comes from with members of this Tour is the fact that they (golfers participating in LIV Golf) want to try to get their way back in here with no consequences,” Rory McIlroy said at his Wednesday press conference prior to this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship. “Anyone that’s read the PGA Tour handbook or abided by the rules and regulations, that would feel very unfair to them.”

Two players who are in the field this week in Memphis have recently been tied to LIV Golf: Cam Smith and Cameron Young.

With everything going on between the two tours, it might get a bit awkward for the top finishers at the 150th Open.

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