Fred Couples rips into LIV Golf, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia

Fred Couples is certainly not a fan of the LIV Golf League and some of its players, and he’s not been afraid to make his feelings known. 

According to a story in the Orange County Register, the 1992 Masters champion was in fine voice, sounding off on LIV Golf and the players who moved from the PGA Tour to play in the Saudi-backed league. 

“If you’re giving Phil Mickelson $200million at age 52 to shoot 74 and 75, God bless you,” he said, at an event to promote this week’s Champions Tour event, the Hoag Classic. 

“I don’t have a problem with LIV. What my problem has been when I tweet every now and then, is what these guys say when they go to the LIV Tour.” 

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Couples insisted that he did still like Mickelson, saying he is probably one of the ten best players that ever lived. 

“Just go to the LIV Tour, but stop blasting something I’ve been a part of for 42 years,” he said.  

“That’s my problem with LIV players. They’re all bashing the PGA Tour, and that affects me a little bit.” 

Couples continued to take aim at other high profile LIV players, saying he was annoyed by “all these other clowns, like Sergio.”  

He also had plenty to say on Cam Smith, or as Couples called him, “the guy who won The PLAYERS Championship and British Open last year.” 

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He mocked Smith’s claim that he will now be able to spend more time at home, saying that:  

“I find that comical, because my favourite to ever play has five kids, 40 grandkids, and he has never missed anything – and that was Jack Nicklaus.” 

One player Couples is a fan of, however, is Will Zalatoris. The pair share the same agent, and Couples revealed that the current world No.8 turned down an offer of $130million to join the Greg Norman-fronted league.  

“Money is zero object for LIV,” Couples said. “I give Will a lot of credit. He wants to stay with the PGA Tour.” 

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor