Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Claude Harmon III has ripped into the media’s portrayal of LIV golfers, as he claims PGA Tour players are treated like the ‘second coming of Christ’.

In a wide-ranging interview with Golfweek, Harmon blasted the ‘narrative’ pushed on LIV Golf and hit out at those who undermined the players on Greg Norman’s circuit.

He said: “The fact that Will Zalatoris is top ten in the world is laughable, and it has nothing to do with him.

• Norman reacts to Koepka’s US PGA win

• Brooks Koepka is “too good” to play LIV Golf

“But my point with that is you guys all acted like Brooks was a shitty player, and Will Zalatoris was great, but the guy has won one golf tournament… but you guys are ready to crown him as if he’s the second coming of Christ and you guys are acting like Brooks Koepka was a bum.”

Butch Harmon’s son has helped some of golf’s biggest names win eight major championships, including all five of Koepka’s triumphs.

 

The American also helped Dustin Johnson win the US Open in 2016 and The Masters in November 2020.

However, his most recent success comes with current LIV Golf player, Koepka, who he believes has taken the brunt of the media’s arrogance, ‘pretending like LIV was an exhibition’.

“How you guys all thought that these guys just weren’t going to show up and be great players is beyond me.

• Michael Block hungry for more success

• EX-PGA President doubts LIV Ryder Cup involvement

“You guys portrayed this as [Brooks] took the money, and then Tiger came out with his comment, you know, Tiger, the ultimate guy who got all the money upfront.

“There couldn’t be anyone that got more grief for doing the LIV thing than Brooks. He got a big dose of the anti-LIV hate. And he got a big dose of ‘he’s a bum, he’s washed up.’ Listen, he’s a generational talent.”

With last weekend’s PGA Championship win, Koepka has joined Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to have lifted three Wanamaker trophies.


author headshot

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses