With the 2023 Masters set to start in less than 3 days, the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf rivalry is expected to get even more heated.
After much speculation, it was revealed last year that LIV golfers eligible under the current criteria could compete at the 87th Masters. This year, 18 LIV golfers, including six former champions, will appear at Augusta National.
However, doubts about the future of LIV golfers loom large, made worse by a now-viral tweet.
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What does the future of LIV golfers look like?
Just days ahead of the upcoming Masters, a recent tweet by a golfing guru, Nosferatu, has left fans of LIV golfers in a frenzy.
Per the Official World Ranking Guru, all current LIV players are projected to drop outside the top 50 in the world by the end of 2023.
#TheMasters stat of the day:
If they don't perform next week and/or in the other Majors this year, #LIV golfers inside Top 50 #OWGR will be an extinct species by the end of 2023!
ALL current LIV players are projected to drop outside the top 50 by then w/o new decent results.
— Nosferatu (@VC606) April 2, 2023
Currently, players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf are banned from the PGA Tour. LIV golfers who are among the top 50 in the world or have major exemptions will be able to compete at the four major championships this year. If they display lackluster performances at the Masters or any upcoming major championships, LIV players’ chances of ranking inside the top 50 in the world could greatly diminish.
Earlier this year, fans of four-time Major champion Dustin Johnson were highly disappointed when the LIV golfer dropped out of the top 50 list for the first time in 13 years. Other top LIV names who have suffered the same fate as Johnson include Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, and Bryson Dechambeau.
Cameron Smith hopes for a LIV golfer to win the Masters
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The 2022 British Open winner Cameron Smith remains the highest-ranked LIV golfer in the top 50 rankings at number 5. Last year, the 29-year-old Australian’s decision to leave PGA Tour attracted great disdain from critics.
As the Aussie golfer heads to the 87th edition of Masters, he hopes a LIV golfer will win the much-coveted green jacket this year. “Obviously, first and foremost for me, I’m trying to go there and play the best golf I can. (But) I think it is important for us to go there, really show a high standard of golf which we know we’re all capable of,” Smith told Golf Digest.
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As golf enthusiasts from all over the world gear up for the upcoming tournament, the PGA-LIV battle is projected to be exciting. Let us know in the comments below about your favorite!
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