In recent years, there has been frequent disagreement within the golfing community, but it seems that players from competing tours are now attempting to set aside their conflicts at Augusta.
The ongoing dispute in the golf world does not seem to be reaching a resolution anytime soon, as progress has come to a halt over the planned merger.
Even though a ‘framework agreement’ was announced last June involving all parties, a final agreement between the PIF-backed group, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour has not materialized yet.
The current deadlock in progress has continued into the fourth month of 2024, with an extension already requested late last year to ensure talks can proceed.
Despite the uncertainty in the sport, LIV Golf players are heading back to Augusta to compete with their former PGA Tour counterparts once again. Anger towards the LIV Golf stars has decreased compared to last year when they were the center of attention at the 2023 Masters in Augusta.
Despite the initial outrage over their participation, the LIV defectors have made an agreement to show more respect towards the prestigious event.
Cameron Smith gave a balanced perspective on the subtle situation at the time, explaining: “I have another set of clothes made up this week without them [the team logos].
“We haven’t really heard much from Augusta National about the logos,” he continued, before launching a veiled response to the LIV tour’s critics, adding: “For me personally, I’m really proud of where I’m at and what I’m doing. Unless it’s a problem for these guys, I’m going to wear it.”
Eventually, most LIV Golf players reverted to their sponsor’s apparel and ditched the LIV-branded clothing. This time around, however, player seem to have got braver. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau were among those spotted wearing their LIV Golf team hats in practice earlier in the week.
It is uncertain if the agreement from last year will still be effective this time, as there has been a noticeable change in the perception of the conflict within golf.
Among those players appreciating the peaceful atmosphere at the Masters is fellow LIV rebel Brooks Koepka.
He informed Mirror Sport that once March arrives, he focuses solely on work and shuts everything else out.
During this time, it seems as though the rest of his life is non-existent as his main goal is to play golf and try to win at Augusta. Your major wins define your success in golf, as seen with legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson.
They have all achieved numerous major victories, and I am working towards climbing the rankings on the major championship list.