LIV Golf, the all-time controversial golf event, is just about to kick off. With constant rule amendments and the bringing in of players from the PGA Tour, the event has been in the limelight for a while. With a successful 2022 closing, there are hopes for 2023 to be in their favor as well.
This year, Ryder Cup player Brooks Koepka is going to be a part of the LIV Golf League again. Fred Couples, the Ryder Cup assistant captain, has shared his thoughts on Koepka being a part of the LIV Golf League and has expressed uncertainty about the future of pro golf in light of ongoing developments, claiming “it doesn’t matter” anymore!
Fred Couples criticizes LIV Golf and voices his displeasure with Brooks Koepka
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Couples, a critic of the LIV Golf League, discussed his reasons for being in opposition to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour in an interview on CNBC’s Closing Bell. In the exchange with the host, Scott Wapner, he expressed his thoughts about the fate of LIV Golf following a proposed partnership between its backers, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, and the PGA Tour.
When asked if he hoped this partnership between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour wouldn’t materialize, Couples admitted that he never thought LIV Golf would get off the ground initially. He suspected that immense financial backing was the driving force behind its existence.
Couples also acknowledged that this year, the Ryder Cup team included LIV Golf player Brooks Koepka and said, “But we do have Brooks Koepka on the Ryder Cup team—he’s not really a PGA Tour player, and every player on that team wanted him, so we still have some nice feelings about the LIV guys.” He further added, “But would I want to see it go away? It doesn’t matter to me really anymore…”
The PGA Tour veteran has criticized LIV Golf numerous times over the past year. Where his criticism at times has made heads turn, what exactly does it stem from?
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Why is Fred Couples disapproving of the LIV Golf league?
It is well known to the golf world that Fred Couples has often expressed his uncertainty about the future of pro golf, particularly in regard to the proposed merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
In his interview on CNBC’s Closing Bell, Couples disclosed that he criticizes LIV Golf due to his loyalty to the PGA Tour and his objections to disparaging comments made by some players who switched from the Tour to LIV Golf.
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The golf veteran, who has spent over four decades on the PGA Tour, is now active on the PGA Tour Champions, and via the recent interview it’s clear that he’s not going to be taking a liking to the Tour’s rival anytime soon.
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