Connect with us

19th Hole

Fred Couples is the latest to take a swipe at new LIV signing Cam Smith

Published

2 years ago

on

Golf legend Fred Couples isn’t a fan of the LIV organization.

Over the past few months, he has virtually disowned Phil Mickelson despite their golfing history – being the last pairing at the 2006 Masters, and working together as vice-captains at the last Ryder Cup, both instrumental in the 19-9 thrashing of the European team.

He has also questioned the motives of those that have signed, and shown disbelief at the 11 players (now 7) that put their name to a lawsuit against the PGA Tour – “I’m glad they’re gone, but stop trashing the PGA Tour,” said the 62-year-old at a recent PGA Tour Champions event. “If you don’t want to be a part of it, you’re suing it? Just go away and make your millions and play golf just like I’m going to do this week.”

Now, the 1992 Masters Champion has turned on the newest and biggest name to sign for the Greg Norman-led tour.

Having avoided a host of questions since The Open, Cam Smith finally opened up to the media about the reasons for his departure from the PGA Tour.

Despite his five wins, and the historic victory at St. Andrews, the Australian star was at pains to point out it was not the money, but conditions of play, that were the reasons for his historic signing.

“I haven’t been back in Australia for three years,” he told Golf Digest. “To spend more time at home, not missing out on friends’ and families’ weddings, and a couple of my friends have had kids over the last four or five years that I still haven’t met.”

“That’s going to be a part of my life that I can’t wait to get back.”

Couples saw that as an opportunity to have a dig, playing on the answers the world number two had given.

Posting on Twitter, Couples wrote:

Twitter is as Twitter does, though, and the replies were very mixed!

One user replied to the 13-time PGA Tour Champions winner, “When’s last time you played and finished a 72 hole tournament? Don’t you make your living now at 54 hole tournaments?”

Another referred to the many ‘side’ events that the 62-year-old has taken part in over the years: “How much in Skins, appearance fees, other silly season or Corp events did Freddy cash in on?? Was a Freddy fan… his petty, childish hatred for LIV players has really turned me…”

There was support there, though, with one fan nodding. “Love it and agree, most of us can relate to earning a living. In addition, real, healthy competitions are great to watch as a spectator,” they wrote.

Whatever the response, it’s clear that Boom Boom isn’t a fan of LIV, Norman, or anyone that takes part.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 115
  • LEGIT9
  • WOW4
  • LOL3
  • IDHT1
  • FLOP0
  • OB1
  • SHANK28

Related Topics:

19th Hole

Report: Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis

Published

21 hours ago

on

May 9, 2024

By

According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.

Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.

However, on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason.”

The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was among the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.

The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods, reportedly, believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.

The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudis.

The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former PGA Tour player.

Your Reaction?
  • 14
  • LEGIT4
  • WOW6
  • LOL4
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP1
  • OB2
  • SHANK14

Continue Reading

19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

2 days ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 15
  • LEGIT2
  • WOW2
  • LOL6
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP1
  • OB0
  • SHANK21

Continue Reading

19th Hole

PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

2 days ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 30
  • LEGIT35
  • WOW1
  • LOL8
  • IDHT1
  • FLOP1
  • OB3
  • SHANK15

Continue Reading

WITB

Whats in the Bag17 hours ago

Matthieu Pavon WITB 2024 (May)

Pavon’s WITB accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here.  Driver: Ping G430 Max (9...
Whats in the Bag20 hours ago

WITB Time Machine: Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB, 2015 Wells Fargo Championship

Then-No. 1 player in the world Rory McIlroy began the week at the Wells Fargo Championship at 3-1 odds, if...
Whats in the Bag2 days ago

Akshay Bhatia WITB 2024 (May)

Akshay Bhatia what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. Bhatia is deciding between drivers. More photos...
Whats in the Bag2 days ago

Emiliano Grillo WITB 2024 (May)

Emiliano Grillo what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Callaway...

Facebook

Trending