Master 2024: LIV GOLF Plays Second Fiddle to ……

As the curtains closed on Sunday’s Masters broadcast, CBS announcer Jim Nantz subtly highlighted a stark reality: the top five contenders were all PGA Tour players. Scottie Scheffler’s dominant performance led to a four-stroke victory, leaving rookie sensation Ludvig Aberg trailing behind. Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood completed the PGA Tour’s stronghold at the top.

In contrast, LIV had a forgettable Masters outing. With players like Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Adrian Meronk, Charl Schwartzel, and Sergio Garcia missing the cut, their combined performance was disappointing, to say the least.

Johnson’s lackluster display, shooting 78-79 with just one birdie, raised questions about his motivation and commitment to the game. Bryson DeChambeau showed promise early on with a 7-under 65 but failed to maintain momentum, settling for a T6 finish alongside Cam Smith.

Tyrrell Hatton and Patrick Reed were the only other LIV representatives in the top 20, highlighting the overall underperformance of the group. Even seasoned players like Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka failed to make an impact, finishing T45.

Off the course, LIV’s front man Greg Norman’s antics at Augusta National further fueled criticism. His attempt to garner attention during tournament rounds, coupled with a questionable Instagram post, only added to the division within the golfing community.

Despite PGA Tour star Wyndham Clark’s criticism of LIV’s 54-hole format, his subsequent missed cut showcased the challenges faced by detractors. However, this was a minor victory in an otherwise disappointing weekend for LIV.

Comparisons to the 2023 Masters, where LIV players were prominent contenders, further underscored the current struggles. Rahm and Koepka, once champions, now face a slump in form, raising concerns about their future performances.

While LIV boasts four of the top 13 players in the world according to Data Golf, questions linger about the long-term motivation of its stable of players. As LIV approaches its two-year anniversary, will there be a decline in focus and commitment?

The outcome of future tournaments will be telling. Will the Masters be a mere blip in LIV’s journey, or a sign of more significant challenges ahead? Only time will tell.