Devastated Talor Gooch Takes 8-Word Dig at Masters Snub; Keeps Fingers Crossed for ‘Majors’ Recognition

Just shy of a week left for the 2024 Masters Tournament. Well, the community would surely be ecstatic to witness LIV golfers and PGA Tour Pros teeing it up alongside each other. However, the 2023 Individual Champion of the Saudi-backed league, Talor Gooch, won’t be spotted at the Augusta National this time around. However, it appears he has decided to turn a blind eye to the same.

Meanwhile, the golfer is currently leading the scoreboard at the 5th event in the 2024 calendar of the PIF-funded circuit. What’s more, in the press conference following the first round of play, Gooch made sure to emphasize how he will continue doing what he did last year, despite the major snub!

Talor Gooch focuses on gameplay instead of Masters rejection

Doubling down on his unfortunate situation with the Masters, the 3-time LIV Golf champ went ahead and conveyed his helplessness about the same. “There’s nothing I can do to influence people, unfortunately,” admitted the golfer harshly. But even so, Gooch made sure to reveal his intention going forward: “Good golf is all I can control, so I’m going to keep focusing on that.”

“I’m going to keep doing what I did last year,” divulged the 32-year-old when he was faced with a query of whether his performance was a statement to the whole LIV Golf- Major debate. Adding on, the golfer mentioned how he will not stop trying the same despite not qualifying owing to his 2023 performance; “Even though it didn’t work, I’m going to keep trying to shoot good scores.”

The American is currently leading the scoreboard at T1, tied with Sergio Garcia, and Peter Uihlein with a score of 5-under 67. Commenting on the same, he expressed hope for the future as he said, “The rule of 67 worked today and I’m going to keep trying to shoot as many 67s as I can and eventually all of that will take care of itself.” 

Well, this isn’t the first time Gooch has shared his stern perspective regarding the majors and its failure to acknowledge LIV Golf. Surprisingly, he had dished out his thoughts regarding the OWGR back when Joaquin Niemann was invited for the Masters.

Gooch and his stern thoughts on major qualification

“I think the majors have kind of shown that they’re not getting on board with LIV,” responded the 32-year-old after learning of the Torque GC skipper’s invitation to the majors. Interestingly, he was immovable in his belief that the major championships were overlooking the Saudi-backed league.

ALSO READ – Rory McIlroy Fails to Save Face as Talor Gooch Ignores His Newfound Love for LIV Golf

Meanwhile, he made sure to point out how Niemann managed to receive his invitation, all thanks to his accolades outside of the Middle Eastern circuit. “‘Jaco’ went outside of LIV and played some great golf, and they rewarded him for that,” explained the golfer before expectantly adding, “So hopefully the day will turn when the majors decide to start rewarding good play on LIV. Hopefully, that’ll be sooner than later.”

It’s not just Talor Gooch who expects the same. Many athletes in the Saudi-backed league, including Niemann, hope for the OWGR to acknowledge LIV Golf and, consequently, LIV golfers, thereby providing them with a chance to play in the majors. Will it happen? Well, we can only wait and see!

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