Ahead of the Masters, Butch Harmon delivers a bold message to LIV Golf stars.
In a few days, the Augusta National will host The Masters. Fans are eager to watch Joaquin Niemann, Dustin Johnson and other talented LIV Golf players in action – including Jon Rahm.
According to renowned coach Butch Harmon, LIV Golf players stand an equal chance of succeeding at the Masters as their PGA Tour counterparts do – even though they participate in 54-hole tournaments that have no-cut.
On Thursday, the golfing world will witness the commencement of the premier tournament in their calendar at Augusta National located in Georgia. The defending champion is a LIVGolf luminary who clinched his maiden green jacket victory back in 2023; it’s none other than Jon Rahm. In late 2023, he switched allegiances to LIV under an astonishing deal worth £450 million.
This year, he has only participated in four competitive tournaments, including the one set to take place this weekend in Miami. All of them have been under theLIV banner and have strictly followed the regulations of the Saudi Arabia-supported independent league.
Harmon disagrees with the notion that playing in a relaxed environment while music plays loudly might not adequately prepare players for arguably the most significant major tournament of their sport.
When SportBase inquired about the potential for LIV players to face difficulties competing against PGA Tour contenders at significant tournaments, the esteemed coach asserted that elite golfers like Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson would remain formidable competitors.
He stated that he couldn’t deny their level of preparedness. He pointed out Brooks Koepka’s performance from the previous year as evidence that they are skilled and ready to compete.
He commented that the environment was different and emphasized how money played a significant role in their move. He also pointed out notable players such as Rahm, DJ, Brooks who are playing at Masters despite being away from home. These individuals remain top-notch golfers even abroad.
It would be inaccurate to claim that they won’t hold their own competitively. Even though the setting allows for a more relaxed 54-hole game, these individuals remain among the world’s top performers.
Joaquin Niemann has had an outstanding year, proving to be on fire. It’s highly likely that some players from LIV will perform exceptionally well at Augusta and have a chance of winning, with Jon Rahm leading the pack as he is the defending champion.
Joaquin Niemann has been on an impressive winning streak this season, claiming victory in two LIV circuit events. However, he’s openly discussed the controversial issue of LIV players not being awarded Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points – a topic that sparks debate within the sport.
Due to the diminished number of OWGR points, athletes competing in LIV circuit have witnessed a decline in their global rankings. Niemann currently occupies the 91st spot which is preposterous considering he was expected to win his inaugural major this week.
Harmon suggests that the problem can be resolved with a simple modification in the league’s management by LIV CEO Greg Norman. He expressed his opinion, stating, “In my personal view, if they extended their fields and introduced 72 holes format; it may earn them world ranking points.”
