PHIL MICKELSON kept his mouth shut at the Champions Dinner — apart from shovelling in his share of the huge spread laid on by last year’s winner Scottie Scheffler.
The three-time Masters champion has been determined to avoid making the sort of remarks that forced him to sidestep Augusta last year and turned down a request to hold a formal press conference.
Peace broke out at the meal, with Liv rebel Phil Mickelson not saying anything
Scottie Scheffler offered up a five-course meal for fellow Augusta winners
Despite being paid an eye-popping $200million (£161m) to join LIV Golf, Mickelson told an American journalist he regarded the breakaway circuit’s Saudi Arabian paymasters as “scary motherf***ers” in February last year.
He missed the Masters to deal with the fall-out from those comments and, apart from banging the LIV drum occasionally, has been pretty quiet since then.
Two veteran ex-champions who were also at the dinner confirmed Mickelson — described as a “nutbag” by 1992 champion Fred Couples — was NOT spoiling for a fight.
Fuzzy Zoeller, who pulled on the Green Jacket in 1979, said: “We’re just 33 past champions in a room, all trying to get along, and nobody said a word about LIV.
“Phil sat near the end of the table and kept to himself. He didn’t speak at all.”
And 1973 champion Tommy Aaron said he was surprised at how subdued Mickelson, nicknamed Lefty, was.
He commented: “I wished him good luck but I couldn’t believe how quiet he was.
“Phil took a very low profile. He didn’t say a word. I sat next to Freddie Couples. He spoke a lot but didn’t mention LIV at all.”
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World No 1 Scheffler also avoided mentioning LIV in his pre-dinner remarks, before serving up a dinner of cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimp, tortilla soup and a choice of Texas ribeye or blackened redfish.
For dessert there were warm chocolate chip skillet cookies and milk and cookies ice cream.
Mickelson was joined at the dinner by five other LIV golfers who have pulled on the Green Jacket — Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, and Charl Schwartzel.
Former champions are automatically invited back to Augusta and other LIV players also earned places because of their world rankings or by finishing high up the field a year ago.
This is the first time the rebels have come face to face with the rest of the world’s top players since the PGA Tour issued a blanket ban on anyone playing for the breakaway circuit six months ago.
But that ban does not cover the four Majors, which are all run by independent bodies.
The expected fireworks have not materialised so far, with Rory McIlroy — who blasted European stars such as Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood for taking the LIV millions — even playing a practice round with another rebel, Brooks Koepka.
But there is no doubt both sides want to prove a point once play gets under way today.
The LIV players have threatened a mass invasion of the 18th green if one of them wins.
McIlroy and the rest of the golfers who have remained loyal to the PGA Tour are not contemplating a similar celebration.
But a ‘home’ win would vindicate the PGA Tour’s boast that they still hold all the trump cards and would go down well with the Green Jackets.
The bookies clearly agree. The top three in the betting are all PGA Tour stars — defending champion Scheffler, last year’s runner-up McIlroy and former US Open champion Jon Rahm.
That trio also occupy the top three places in the world rankings, with current Open champion Cameron Smith the highest placed LIV golfer in sixth.
Most of the rebels are on the slide because there are no world ranking points on offer in their events — something they are desperate to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average weekend score for a golfer?
A beginner’s average golf score is 100. As you get better at golf, your scores improve. You’ll most likely begin with 9 holes and progress to 18 holes.
How can watching golf improve your game
It does indeed improve my game.
Golf is one the most well-known sports in the world. The sport involves hitting a ball towards a target from different distances with clubs, sticks, etc. It is a great way for people to unwind and enjoy some time outside. Did you know there are so many benefits to playing golf? Here are a few:
- Golf helps you get fit
- Playing golf makes you feel good
- Playing does not require that you think too hard
- Golf is a game that teaches patience
- Inspiration can be found in watching golf
- Golf is a lot of fun
- It’s easy to learn golf
- Golf is more affordable than other sports
- Golf is a stress reliever
- Golf is a social activity
What is the most important shot in golf?
The putt is the most important shot for any golfer. The putt is the most important shot for a golfer. If you don’t hit it perfectly, you will likely lose the hole (and perhaps the game).
Do I really need a golf course membership to play golf?
You do not need to have a membership at the course. A membership gives you access to the entire course, including the driving ranges and putting greens.
How can you improve your golf game in a matter of hours?
Your best bet for improving your golf game is to practice 20 minutes per days, three times a weeks. It is important to practice regularly if you want your game to improve at every tournament. Practice makes perfect!
What does the average golfer shoot?
An average golfer will shoot between 80 and 85 yards with their driver.
Statistics
- Stats reveal 96% of golfers play right-handed. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- If you have 14 attempts and convert as little as 50% of them into Pars – you can double bogey the remaining 4 holes and still shoot 87 for your round. (golfmadesimple.com)
- However, if you go in thinking that you will get all the way down to a 10, you will likely stunt your progress because your expectations are way out of line. (practical-golf.com)
- Shot Scope’s mapping data reveals 72% of danger is at the front of the green (sand or water), whereas there’s only 28% behind. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
External Links
golfdigest.com
collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu
flagstick.com
shotscope.com
How To
Five easy exercises that will improve your golf swing
Golf is the most well-known sport in the world. To be a great golfer, you need to practice a lot. It is important to practice regularly in order for you to improve your golf game. You should spend at least 2 hours per week playing golf. You may not always have enough time to play the game of golf. You might be one of these people.
- Start at the top – Stand straight, straighten your back, and hold the club straight. Next, bend your knees slightly so that you can swing the club. Concentrate on the target. This helps you to get in position before you hit the ball.
- Your balance is important. You should stand straight, keep both your feet together and ensure that your body weight is evenly distributed. Your weight should shift in the direction of the front leg as you hit onto the ball.
- Bend your knees- Place your hands on the hips to help you bend your knees. Take a deep, slow breath. Next, bend your knees and exhale. This will allow your lower body to follow through when you swing the club.
- Relax your shoulders. Instead, let them swing the club free. This will allow you to generate speed and power without using excessive force.
- Keep your eyes on your target. Focus on the target and look straight ahead. Don’t look down at your ball. You will not be able see where you are going wrong.
