‘Only Awkward in the Media’: Bubba Watson Dismisses the Major Myth Between LIV Golf Defectors and PGA Tour Pros

Rivalries make any sport more interesting. Not only the rivalries among the teams, but also the rivalries between the players keep up the great competitions going on in the sport. However, in the golf world, one rivalry that has everyone talking is the PGA vs LIV scuffle.

Since the Saudi funded league started out, there have been one drama after the other, unfolding like a reality TV show. And the ensuing rift has led to tensions among the leagues players on multiple occasions. One such player who has got himself into the mix is Bubba Watson.

Bubba Watson hits back at the awkwardness claims

2 times Major winner, Bubba Watson, enjoyed great success during his days at the PGA Tour. A total of 12 PGA Tour victories and two Masters Tournament triumphs in 2012 and 2014 were among Watson’s most notable accomplishments. However, Watson switched to LIV Golf in 2022 and has been playing there ever since.

Prior to the third tournament of the second season of the Saudi-funded League, Watson tried to play down any suggestions of rivalry between the competitors. The Mirror reported that the two-time Masters champion will play alongside former PGA Tour peers at the Masters next month, but the LIV Golf rebel claims he hasn’t yet felt any “awkwardness” with them.

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According to him, any reports of “awkwardness” between PGA Tour players and their LIV competitors, have been over-exaggerated by the media. While talking to reporters at Orange County National in Orlando, Florida, Watson said, “I’m going to be honest, man. It’s only awkward in the media. I’ve talked to people that are going to be there. I’m going to sign up with Jason Day and Cam Young in the par-three. Some guys have already asked me to play some practice rounds. [The] media is the only one that is pushing it. I have nothing against anybody. If you change jobs, I’m not mad at you. If you start reporting for somebody else, hey, man, it’s a better decision for you and your family. Have at it.”

Where does LIV Golf stand amid the tensions

Because LIV Golf tends to deviate from the sport’s conventional routes, it makes sense that its players might harbor less grudges than their PGA Tour counterparts.

Players like Tiger Woods publicly questioned the desire to participate in a competition with no cuts, guaranteed payouts, or history. In February, Woods said that some of his friends had clearly opted for a different course, and that he wasn’t sure how he would feel about some former teammates at this year’s Masters Champions Dinner. So, there surely are some tensions between the players of the two leagues, even if Watson denies them outright.

What are your views regarding the tensions between the players and the leagues? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

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