by Fred Couples says he doesn’t have a problem with LIV Golf and insists he still likes Phil Mickelson.
But he clearly doesn’t like the way PGA Tour defectors went to the upstart golf circuit backed financially by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
According to a story in the Orange County RegistryThe couples, speaking at a breakfast to promote the upcoming Hoag Classic in Newport Beach on the PGA Tour Champions, shared some strong views on the situation between the two golf tours.
“I have no problem with LIV,” he said. “My problem has been when I tweet from time to time, it’s what these guys say when they go on the LIV Tour.”
The couples said the players should admit they left the PGA Tour for those huge amounts of cash. The large sums that LIV used to attract players are not really a problem for him.
“If you’re giving Phil Mickelson $200 million at 52 to shoot at 74 and 75, God bless you,” Couples said.
Many of those who left mentioned a more flexible schedule that allowed more time at home with the family.
“I find that funny, because my favorite to play has five kids, 40 grandkids, and he’s never missed a thing, and that was Jack Nicklaus,” Couples said.
What also irritated Couples was that the LIV players are “attacking the PGA Tour, and that affects me a little bit. … just go on the LIV Tour, but stop criticizing something I’ve been a part of for 42 years.”
The Hoag Classic starts on Friday. Pairs has won the event twice.
The story originally appeared on GolfWeek
