Three of the highest six on The Masters leaderboard had been LIV gamers, with Brooks Koepka sharing second with Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed ending tied-fourth; Jon Rahm secured a second main title with a four-shot win at Augusta National
By Ali Stafford at Augusta National
Last Updated: 10/04/23 2:15am
Highlights from the ultimate spherical of the 2023 Masters at Augusta National
Highlights from the ultimate spherical of the 2023 Masters at Augusta National
Brooks Koepka believes the LIV contingent delivered a powerful message by exhibiting they aren’t “washed up” after a string of sturdy performances at The Masters.
Koepka was one among 18 members from the breakaway circuit who featured within the opening main of the yr, with the four-time main champion taking a two-shot lead into the ultimate spherical earlier than ending tied-second behind Jon Rahm.
Six-time main winner Phil Mickelson shared second with Koepka on eight underneath, with fellow LIV golf member Patrick Reed an extra stroke again in a share of fourth, with Koepka insistent it ought to come as no shock that so a lot of them contended.
Jon Rahm is the 2023 Masters champion! Watch his finest moments from the ultimate spherical
Jon Rahm is the 2023 Masters champion! Watch his finest moments from the ultimate spherical
“We’re nonetheless the identical individuals,” Koepka mentioned after a final-round 75. “I do know if I’m wholesome, I do know I can compete. I do not assume any of the blokes that performed this occasion thought in any other case, both.
“When Phil [Mickelson] performs good, we all know he will compete. P-Reed [Patrick Reed], the identical factor. I believe that is simply manufactured by the media that we will not compete anymore; that we’re washed up.
Brooks Koepka was main heading into the ultimate spherical at The Masters, however he recorded six bogeys and ended 4 photographs behind Rahm
Brooks Koepka was main heading into the ultimate spherical at The Masters, however he recorded six bogeys and ended 4 photographs behind Rahm
“It is fractured, I assume, from the followers’ perspective. But so far as us, I believe everyone noticed it this week. It’s good to see everyone. There’s no arduous emotions just about. I believe that is the way in which everyone ought to see it.”
Golf ‘misplaced all of the pettiness’ at Augusta
Mickelson charged up the leaderboard on Sunday with a round-of-the-day 65, firing seven birdies over his remaining 13 holes to submit his finest worldwide end since successful the PGA Championship in 2021, with the 52-year-old grateful to have the chance to tee it up once more at Augusta.
Phil Mickelson was grateful to be taking part in within the remaining spherical at The Masters at Augusta and mentioned his 65 was as a lot enjoyable as he may have taking part in golf
Phil Mickelson was grateful to be taking part in within the remaining spherical at The Masters at Augusta and mentioned his 65 was as a lot enjoyable as he may have taking part in golf
“I assumed it was thrilling that this event rose above all of it to have one of the best gamers on this planet right here and misplaced all of the pettiness; that was nice,” Mickelson mentioned in his post-tournament press convention.
“I’m not saying it [LIV] is for everyone, but it surely’s been superior for me and I adore it. I’m excited to go play in Australia, however this event is not about what tour you play from.
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“There’s gamers from throughout, everywhere in the world on many various excursions, and also you’re bringing one of the best gamers to play in opposition to one another within the majors. That’s what it is all about. That’s what the sport of golf must be.
“There’s all the time going to be, and may all the time be, a spot for historic occasions like this, but it surely’s okay to have a bit of bit of various and selection within the recreation of golf.”
Three-time Masters champion Mickelson placed on an excellent final-round efficiency with 5 birdies in his final seven holes to assert joint-second spot
Three-time Masters champion Mickelson placed on an excellent final-round efficiency with 5 birdies in his final seven holes to assert joint-second spot
Reigning Open champion Cameron Smith and 2020 Masters champion Dustin Johnson had been among the many different LIV gamers who made the minimize, with Harold Varner III – who claimed tied-Twenty ninth – additionally happy to see so a lot of his colleagues impress.
“Looking at it proper now, yeah, I assume they do not suck,” Varner mentioned. “Yeah, I believe it is good for golf. Don’t take into consideration any excursions, simply play golf and see how they stack up.”
‘LIV gamers can nonetheless compete’
Masters chairman Fred Ridley mentioned there had been “tone” between the PGA Tour and LIV golfers forward of the event, with three gamers from every circuit ending up filling the highest six on the leaderboard.
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“The controversy of LIV was they solely play three rounds, they have not performed that many tournaments, these guys aren’t examined, however three of the highest 4 had been LIV gamers,” Butch Harmon instructed Sky Sports. “You’ve acquired Mickelson, you’ve got acquired Patrick Reed – these are all the celebs over on the LIV tour.
“They’ve proved to the world of golf they’ll compete with the remainder of the gamers around the globe. Yes, it is a totally different league and it is a totally different sort of golf, however nice gamers are nice gamers, I do not care the place they play.”
Koepka provides his response to his final-round 75 at The Masters as he completed joint-second to Rahm at Augusta National
Koepka provides his response to his final-round 75 at The Masters as he completed joint-second to Rahm at Augusta National
Former PGA champion Rich Beem added: “I simply have a look at it because the majors as being the place we lastly get everybody collectively to play the toughest golf programs with one of the best fields, and the winner takes all. I believe the majors are going to be very thrilling this yr.”
What occurs subsequent?
LIV golf members will compete in all 4 majors, offering they’re exempt, that means there are no less than three extra alternatives this yr for them to go toe to toe with their PGA Tour counterparts.
Oak Hill Country Club hosts the PGA Championship from May 18-21 forward of the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club from June 15-18, earlier than Royal Liverpool hosts The 151st Open from July 20-23.
