Bubba Watson claims Scheffler’s 2024 earnings are ‘because of the changes’ LIV Golf has ‘started putting in place’

Bubba Watson’s Bold Claims Stir Controversy Ahead of LIV Golf Greenbrier Tournament

As the LIV Golf Greenbrier tournament commences from August 16 to August 18, Bubba Watson has found himself at the center of attention, not for his play, but for his outspoken support of the Saudi-backed league. During a recent press conference, Watson made waves with a series of controversial statements, crediting LIV Golf with fundamentally reshaping the golf landscape and even suggesting that it has played a pivotal role in Scottie Scheffler’s recent financial success on the PGA Tour.

Watson’s declarations have ignited a flurry of criticism, with many questioning the validity of his claims and the logic behind them.

### Watson Draws Parallels to PGA Tour’s Historical Split

In his remarks, Watson reflected on the 100th round of LIV Golf, celebrating the impact he believes the league has had on the sport. He drew a historical parallel between LIV Golf’s emergence and the PGA Tour’s breakaway in the 1960s, led by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Watson emphasized the honor he feels in being part of what he described as the “right side of history,” likening LIV Golf’s rise to that transformative moment in golf history.

### LIV Golf and Scottie Scheffler: A Controversial Connection

Perhaps the most contentious part of Watson’s commentary was his assertion that LIV Golf has been instrumental in Scottie Scheffler’s impressive earnings on the PGA Tour in recent years. Watson boldly claimed, “Scottie Scheffler has made a lot of money this year because of the changes that we’ve started putting in place. I believe that golf is actually growing in the right spot, and I think team golf is here to stay.”

These comments did not sit well with many fans and observers. Social media was ablaze with reactions, with many pointing out that Scheffler’s success is a result of his own hard work and skill, rather than any influence from LIV Golf. One user tweeted, “Bubba Watson’s take on Scheffler is just ridiculous. Scottie is a phenomenal player, and his success is due to his own skills, not LIV Golf.”

### The Debate Over LIV Golf’s Impact

Watson’s statements have only intensified the ongoing debate about LIV Golf’s role in the sport. While there’s no denying that LIV Golf has disrupted the traditional golf world, opinions remain divided on whether its impact has been as transformative as Watson suggests. For many, Scheffler’s achievements are a testament to his individual talent and dedication, rather than any external factors.

As one fan put it, “Scheffler has worked hard for everything he’s earned. Bubba can try to take credit for LIV Golf all he wants, but Scottie’s accomplishments are his own.”

### Bubba Watson’s Season and Outlook

While Watson continues to be a vocal advocate for LIV Golf, his performance on the course has been less than stellar. His 2024 season has been marked by inconsistency, with no standout victories to date. Watson started the year with a T21 finish at LIV Golf Mayakoba and followed up with a T15 at LIV Golf Las Vegas. However, he struggled at LIV Golf Jeddah, finishing T46, and faced further challenges in subsequent events, including a T45 at LIV Golf Singapore and a 51st place finish at LIV Golf Houston.

Despite these setbacks, Watson remains optimistic about his future in the league and his role as captain of the RangeGoats team. He is focused on helping his team succeed in LIV Golf’s unique team-based format, and he believes in the league’s potential to continue evolving and growing.

As the LIV Golf Greenbrier tournament unfolds, much attention will be on Watson’s performance, but even more on the ongoing tension between the traditional PGA Tour and the new wave of competition brought by LIV Golf. Watson’s declarations may have sparked controversy, but they also underscore the deepening divide within the sport as it navigates this era of change.