Golf commentators mock LIV Golf players during Open Championship broadcast

## Mockery of LIV Golf Players by Commentators Sparks Outrage During Open Championship

Fans of LIV Golf are expressing their discontent after commentators mocked the Saudi-backed league during the coverage of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon.

During the second round, Ryder Cup legend and part-time commentator Sam Torrance made a snide remark about LIV Golf while discussing player Abraham Ancer, who was putting on the iconic Postage Stamp par-3 8th hole.

“Are you guys discussing LIV Golf?” Torrance asked his colleagues in the commentary box. He sarcastically added, “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about there? Majesticks and LIV? Abraham is there, he’s there. He went to live somewhere else.”

The derision continued into the third round, with Sky Sports Golf commentator and three-time LPGA Tour winner Trish Johnson targeting LIV Golf during the Featured Groups coverage of Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka. Both players joined LIV Golf during its inaugural season in 2022, with Johnson reportedly signing a deal worth around $150 million and Koepka’s deal being just shy of that.

The exchange began with Sky’s Richard Kaufman making a comment about Dustin Johnson: “Dustin here is a 4 Aces kinda guy…”

Johnson replied sarcastically, “What, poker? Are we talking like he likes a game of poker?”

Kaufman continued, “Brooks is a Smash Golf Club, Smash GC kinda guy. These are their teams.”

Johnson retorted, “What’s that all about? That’s not golf, what you talking about?”

Kaufman concluded, “Just filling in people that may want to know.”

These comments did not sit well with LIV Golf fans, who took to social media to express their displeasure.

“Another day, another tool pretending they don’t know LIV Golf,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Nothing like trying to alienate a chunk of the fans watching. Who is furthering the divide in golf?” commented a LIV Golf fan account.

Another irate fan added, “How do these ppl still have jobs? No wonder the average viewership on tour the last few years is 60+.”

In a related incident, golf commentator David Feherty criticized DP World Tour pro Romain Langasque after the second round of The Open for walking out of the tournament while on the 8th hole.

The backlash from LIV Golf fans highlights the ongoing tension between the traditional golf tours and the breakaway LIV Golf league.