LIV Golf has shocked the golf world yet again with something no one could have thought of. Despite all the efforts from the PGA Tour and other tours to stop the Saudi-backed league from entering major tournaments, eligible LIV players will now be allowed to play in the upcoming Masters at Augusta National.
Masters invitations to roll out to qualifying LIV Golf players
All of the PGA Tour’s hard work seems to have gone in vain after the recent announcement in favor of LIV Golf. The chairman of Augusta National, Fred Ridley, has confirmed that LIV Golf players who were already qualified for the 2023 Masters, will not be allowed to enter the tournament.
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This has come as a relief to Greg Norman and his golfers after the huge ongoing banter between tours regarding the major championships. However, it might prove to be a huge shock for the PGA Tour players and officials.
“Regrettably, recent actions have divided men’s professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it,” said Ridley in his statement. “Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April.
He further mentioned that invitations for the tournament will be sent this week to all eligible golfers for the 2023 edition of the Masters. These LIV Golf defectors include Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, and Charl Schwartzel, who probably can’t wait to return to the field for the Masters next year.
Read More: Greg Norman Celebrates His Latest Victory With a Lot of Pride
Whereas, players who are exempt from the tournament include Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Kevin Na, and more. The announcement has shaken golf fans to the core, especially the ones in support of the PGA Tour. There has been no reaction from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan about the news yet. However, he will definitely not be happy after hearing about the announcement.
Fans react to shocking LIV news
The news has come as a shock to golf fans and they are giving all kinds of reactions to it on Twitter. Here is what some of them said about the epic turn of tables:
Surprisingly, most fans are happy after listening to the announcement regarding the LIV Golf players being allowed in the Masters.
Awesome. Need to have Phil, DJ, brooks, cam and Bryson.
— Jkb9181 (@BendittJeffrey) December 20, 2022
Nice. As they should be
— Philly Blunt 🎭 (@PhillyBlunttt) December 20, 2022
Damn right
— Adam Tauszky (@Leap_year_man) December 20, 2022
Some even said that the officials had made the correct decision by allowing the LIV Golf players on the field.
The right decision 👌 only good for future golf ⛳️
— Sally (@Sally86Li) December 20, 2022
The correct decision
— Alex Roome (@Spindarella75) December 20, 2022
Common sense prevails. Finally.
— Ticker (@GoonerTiq) December 20, 2022
However, some felt it was not something to be proud of and called it “yuck”.
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Yuck
— Sticks (@LSimm34) December 20, 2022
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Despite their decision to join LIV Golf, this is another chance for the players to make history again. However, with such a format consisting of players divided into two leagues, it will be even more interesting to watch who claims the title.
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