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19th Hole

Billy Horschel suggests a radical requirement for LIV pros who want to return to the PGA Tour

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Billy Horschel, one of LIV Golf’s biggest critics, has told Golf Channel that if LIV players want to rejoin the PGA Tour, they are going to have to “jump through some hoops.”

Just four weeks before the Masters, Sawgrass hosts the majority of the best players in the world but with exceptions.

Renowned as the “fifth major,” The Players Championship sees the absence of defending champion and current Open Championship title holder Cam Smith as well as the likes of Dustin Johnson and recent Sawgrass runners-up Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, all of whom jumped ship in 2022.

Should they qualify under the usual rules, all are permitted to take their place at Augusta National, certainly adding spice to an already anticipated event. With new PGA Tour ‘designated’ events coming into force in 2024 said to resemble the LIV model, there are some calls to allow LIV players some leniency should they wish to play on the main tour.

Horschel, now 22nd in the OWGR, might bend to that view, but wants the rebels to pay for their move, telling Golf Channel:

“If I was in charge, I’d say yes, there’s a path back. But you’re going to have to jump through some hoops.

“Have them come to PGA Tour headquarters and have them address all the employees. At least for the players who said things that weren’t true about the Tour or sued [the Tour].”

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19th Hole

‘Just get back there. F**k sake!’ – Shane Lowry loses cool with cameraman at Open Championship

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Shane Lowry raced out to a hot start on Thursday’s opening round of the Open Championship. On Friday, the Irishman was in cruise control and earned himself a two-stroke lead through ten holes when disaster struck.

The former Open winner hit his tee shot in some high grass, and made an error on his second shot, with the ball shooting left into a gorse bush.

After he hit the shot, Lowry blamed a cameraman for the miscue.

“As I was over the ball I could just see you putting your f—kin’ camera up. Just get outta the way. Just get back there. F—k sake!”

He’d gone on to make double-bogey on the hole and is still tied for the lead as things stand.

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19th Hole

Tyrrell Hatton hits out at course setup after opening round at Open Championship

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LIV golfer Tyrrell Hatton has never been shy about voicing his opinion on golf course setups. Back in 2022, the Englishman voiced his displeasure with the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.

“You can hit good shots here and not get any reward for it. It’s unfair at times,” Hatton said. “I don’t agree with that. If you hit a good shot, you should end up near the hole — not short-sided into a bunker because of the slopes that they’ve created and stuff. Yeah, I don’t think it’s a fair test at times, and when you hit good shots and you’re not rewarded for it, it shows.”

This week, Royal Troon is under fire from Hatton.

After his opening round of 73 (+2), he sounded off on the course.

“They didn’t put any tees forward. You can’t reach any of the par-5s on the front nine. Was it 15 or 16, the par-5, you’re hitting a 4-iron off it. Tell me a good par-5 where you’re hitting 4-iron off the tee. There isn’t one.

Even though they’ve moved the tee back on 17, which I think is a shame, it’s still with the wind today, you’re hitting 5-iron and hoping it can stay on the green. Rory obviously hits it a lot higher and further, and he was hitting 7-iron there. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s a tough hole, and it’s still hard to hit that green. I think it’s a good thing that the wind was playing down because they probably would have left the tee at the back if it was into off the left. Then do you want to watch guys hit 3-wood into a green that’s hard enough to hit with 7-iron?”

Hatton is still firmly in the mix prior to his second-round tee time and will look to make a move to get into position for the weekend.

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19th Hole

Bryson DeChambeau points to equipment issues after disappointing Open Championship start

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Since his incredible victory at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2, Bryson DeChambeau certainly has a case to be considered one of the biggest stars in golf. The 30-year-old has grown in popularity due to his success on social media and his popular YouTube channel that appeals to the everyday golfer.

Despite the success and current form on the golf course, DeChambeau got off to a tough start at this week’s Open Championship. The LIV golfer opened with a +5 first round at Royal Troon and struggled to get the wind right all day.

After the round, Bryson spoke to the media about his struggles, initially blaming his equipment.

“I’m not at 190 ball speed, so particularly when I’m hitting driver or 3-wood, those clubs are built for around that speed, that 190 ball speed, and my 3-wood around 180, so colder, firmer conditions the golf ball is not compressing as much.

“I’ve got a chance tomorrow. I’m excited for the challenge. If I have some putts go in and hit some shots the way I know how to and figure out this equipment stuff, I’ll be good.”

DeChambeau added that in addition to his equipment, he’s also not used to playing on wet and windy links courses.

“Yeah, it’s a difficult test out here. Something I’m not familiar with. I never grew up playing it, and not to say that that’s the reason; I finished eighth at St Andrews. I can do it when it’s warm and not windy.”

Friday’s second round will tell if he’s made the necessary adjustments to adapt to the Open Championship conditions.

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