Phil Mickelson failed, but his protagonist showed up on Augusta's final day. Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
John Rahm has a Green Jacket, but LIV's strong justification ensures that the professional male game fits even more snugly into his straitjacket. If the 87th Master Regiment proves anything, it's that big companies need rebels, even if some find the presence of these Saudi-funded multimillionaires offensive.
In his no-nonsense Yorkshire style, Matt Fitzpatrick explained how important it is that Greg Norman defectors are not left out whenever the events of the Big Four happen. “In my opinion, there is no doubt about it,” said the reigning US Open champion. “If you win one of them and they are not allowed to play, there will always be an asterisk next to your name. I think it's good for the game they play.»
Of course, none of the major tournament management organizations have claimed to ban LIV players, so we'll see Brooks Kepka and Phil Mickelson taking second place behind Ram, at the US PGA, US Open and Open.
Fourth place Patrick Reid is also on the fields next month at Oak Hill, June at the Los Angeles Country Club and July at Hoylake, and all who are quite enjoying this rivalry caused by this uncivil war to golf. will say to this cordial Amen Corner. It's undeniable that the trio added to the tension on Sunday, because without the disrespect to Russell Henley, Rahm, who beat the 33-year-old Georgia player by five strokes, would not have been so exciting.
Not to mention integrity — sporting integrity, meaning the fun factor is vital, and Koepka, Mickelson and Reed bring it to the buggy. So do Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia and other LIV players who weren't there, like England's own pantomime villain Ian Poulter. And therein lies the concern of Fitzpatrick and others, who understand that the way the rankings are set up now, the fewer rebels will qualify for the Major. It's an issue the authorities are battling over as another sight of Augusta appears in the rearview mirror.
Matt Fitzpatrick believes the rebels should be hosted. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Thomas Peters fears these may be his last Masters. This time he was invited from the top 50 of the world, but he knows that with no access to ranking points other than major tournaments and the occasional appearance on the Asian Tour, where points are paltry, he will soon fall sharply from his current position. 43rd.
«We'll see,» he said when asked if he expects to play in major tournaments next year. “But hopefully this week has opened everyone's eyes to what's good for golf. Here, there were three LIVs in the top four, but there are only three LIVs in the world's top 35. How it works? Look, you want to play against the best in the world, but when the system is rigged or you don't get the best, the product won't be as good.»
Even as one of the prevailing tour loyalists, Jordan Spieth agrees and admits the absurdity of Kepka finishing 118th in Augusta despite having won two of the last four individual LIVs. But he believes that soon LIV will receive the status of an official world ranking. There was a board meeting in Augusta.
«I think every major wants to have the best pitch possible, so they come up with criteria that they think will allow it,» Speth, who also finished in fourth place. «And if it doesn't work, they will change it again.»
Spit concludes that they may have to be patient, and there is a certain feeling in the locker room that the rebels should reap at least a little of what they have sown. For example, Peters knew it would be dangerous when he signed in February. At least one board member of the DP World Tour has warned the Belgian about what he might sacrifice.
The problem was that Peters was convinced that LIV would win the legal battle against Wentworth HQ and be able to play at both circuits. They lost last week, and so not only Peters, but the likes of Poulter, Garcia, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey and Graeme McDowell will face elimination.
Thomas Peters, a member of the Rebel Tour, fears he may have played his last Masters tournament. Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Keith Pelley, chief executive of the DP World Tour, had every right to cheer and, after all the insults he received, even retaliate when the arbitration results were officially announced on Thursday, but he offered the Ryder Cup legends a way back as long as they paid fines, served sentences and ate a modest pie. However, will they want to, or rather, will they allow LIV to beg and beg?
Off course, LIV is in a precarious position. Not only was the British verdict against them, but on Friday a California judge dismissed the LIV's appeal and declared that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, as well as its manager, Yasser Al Rumayan, chairman of Newcastle United, are both subject to discovery and testimony.
There is no chance the Saudis will open their ledgers to the public, so they will likely delay it as long as possible and then drop the antitrust suit. This means that his players will be excluded from the PGA Tour and quite possibly the DP World Tour. Large companies need to understand how this will affect their areas.
«We're still the same people. So I mean, I know that if I'm healthy, I know I can compete,» Koepka said. «I don't think any of the guys who played this tournament, I also thought differently. When Phil plays well, we know that he will compete. P-Reed, the same thing. The media just fabricated that we can no longer compete, that we are exhausted.»
Truth be told, the media is golf's least escalating issue, the main season has just begun and, for that matter, Mickelson has Mickelson, who, after LIV Adelaide next week, will return to the US PGA, a major he won in a record-breaking aged 50 two years ago. a challenge to form, age and, of course, expectations. «The next few months will be fun.»
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