Rivalries in the golf world are as famous as friendships. And the legendary once-upon-a-time tension between the elite golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson is no secret. The birth of the LIV league and news of the merger only intensified the emotion. And thanks to Zach Johnson, there’s been a development in that.
Tiger Woods has been absent from competitive golf for a long time, but his wisdom would not stay far from the Ryder Cup. While the golf world counts days backward, approaching the patriotic event, Zach Johnson reassured the community that the 15-time major might not be present in Rome, but his spirit will. However, it appears unlikely given how the events are taking shape this week.
Zach Johnson reportedly betrayed Tiger Woods
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Woods has remained loyal to the PGA Tour despite the hefty amount he was offered last year for joining the LIV league. It ranged from $700 to $800 million. He also defended the former in the face of the rising Saudi-backed league last year and is currently part of the administrative team amid the $3 billion merger.
Amid that, Team America’s captain, Zach Johnson, was reportedly seen at Rich Harvest Farms, where the LIV golfers will tee off for LIV Golf Chicago. The reports also indicate that he had dinner with Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed.
LIV Golf Insider took to Twitter (X) to suggest that “ZJ sought out the real USA Captain to help him game-plan for next week’s event. Lefty will have a say in the pairings.” If the reports are believed, Tiger Woods might not be happy with the skipper’s decision to seek help elsewhere.
🚨BREAKING:#RyderCup coach Zach Johnson spotted at #LIVGolf Chicago, Rich Harvest Farms.
Last night he had dinner with Phil Mickelson & Pat Reed. ZJ sought out the real USA Captain to help him game-plan for next weeks event.
Lefty will have a say in the pairings.
Team USA 📈
— LIV Golf Insider (@LIVTracking) September 20, 2023
The Ryder Cup will take off next week at Marco Simone in Rome. Team Europe will try to win back its glory on home soil after three decades. Team USA will focus on creating history and marking their second consecutive win; however, if you were looking for a glimpse of Woods’ wisdom, you might go home disappointed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Why might Woods feel betrayed by ZJ’s actions?
Tiger Woods might not come to Rome during the Ryder Cup. He will stay home to take care of the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger and handle the PGA director duties. But he promised Zach Johnson that he would be with all the players in spirit.
Zach Johnson himself had requested Tiger Woods to become the guiding light for the squad because his experience is uncanny. The skipper also admitted that the eight-time Ryder Cup player, Woods, will remain on call with the team. As per him, “Tiger is very much a part of Team USA and has been for years.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But Johnson’s alleged meeting with Phil Mickelson might turn the tables. It looks like the skipper is trying to gather the best for his team from all sides. Or maybe there is some other thought lurking in the corners of his mind. What do you think about this surprising meet-up?
Watch This Story: ‘Anyone Else but Charlie’: Rory McIlroy Unveils the Only People Having Access to ‘Some Things’ of Golf GOAT Tiger Woods