Eddie Pepperell and Lee Westwood in Twitter bust-up over LIV Golf

Eddie Pepperell launched a trademark rant on Twitter this morning, hitting out at Lee Westwood.

The English pair have markedly contrasting views on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, and Pepperell could not bite his tongue on social media.

Westwood got a reaction out of his compatriot by laughing at the updated Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), following Lucas Glover’s play-off win.

In typically brutal fashion, Pepperell said: “I’ll tell you what’s a joke Lee; you earning 3X the average UK annual salary in one week for shooting +20 over 3 rounds.

“Professional golf used to be about playing well to earn money (still is for the most part to be fair).

“It’s not jealousy to point out how LIV is rewarding (in some instances) poor performance in a big way monetarily. Not something I can get on board with personally.”

I’ll tell you what’s a joke Lee; you earning 3X the average annual UK salary in one week for shooting +20 over 3 rounds.

— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) August 14, 2023

The former World number one resigned from the DP World Tour in May after being suspended from the PGA Tour last year.

Westwood made his first appearance on Greg Norman’s circuit at LIV Golf London last June and banked over $4 million throughout the inaugural season.

The 50-year-old was quick to bring up the financial incentives on the PGA Tour, though, as he barked back at Pepperell.

He said: “PIP? Miss that one, did you? Monday simulator games? Miss that one too?”

The Player Impact Program (PIP) debuted in 2021 to reward players for boosting engagement and publicity of the PGA Tour, with $100 million spread out over 20 players in 2022.

Meanwhile, the US tour has launched TGL, a new Monday night venture created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, to compete with LIV Golf.

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However, it seems both Englishmen agreed on the financial implications of those schemes, as Pepperell hit back with another dig.

Pepperell replied: “It’s all laughable. From you earning £100k last week for playing like a turnip to the TGL/PIP.

“Pro golf has degraded itself to being just about the money. Maybe it always has been and I’m just naïve, but it isn’t doing much to improve the sport and genuinely ‘grow the game’.”

The 32-year-old couldn’t resist one last swipe at those who jumped ship, including Westwood, who claimed his counterpart was ‘excellent at twisting’ things.

Pepperell said: “Not from the top I’m not!

“But pretty sure professional golf would be in a better spot if a few of you stuck instead of twisted.

“But money and all that… sure is alluring whatever the implications for the sport. You go Glen Coco.”

Westwood swiftly denied those claims, arguing that Pepperell knows better before directing a gif in the direction of his social media rival, hinting he had gone quiet.

@PepperellEddie pic.twitter.com/ZfDz4gWeG1

— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) August 14, 2023