Masters

Cameron Smith has criticised the media for the 'rubbish' talked about LIV but has admitted the breakaway circuit could do with some of its players ...

It's nice to see a lot of the guys because I haven't seen them all that much." I have no problem with anyone on the LIV Tour, I really don't." Daily build-up shows begin at 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, with live coverage of the opening round on Thursday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. "It has nothing to do with where you play at, but guys that are here, they play all around the world. "All my buddies are still my buddies, and we play, and it's still golf. "I don't think there's any kind of hatred going on between the players. I'm really happy with where I'm at." "For me it's the same," Johnson said. For me personally, I'm really proud of where I'm at and what I'm doing. Unless it's a problem for these guys, I'm going to wear it." "We compete against each other hard week-in and week-out and we're trying to do the same things that we did six months ago. For sure, I'll be the first one to say the fields aren't as strong, but we've still got a lot of guys up there that can play some really serious golf.

The picturesque setting of Augusta National Golf Club will play host to the most contentious Masters in history, but for LIV Golf converts like Cameron ...

Smith left for LIV at the peak of his powers and with the golf world at his feet. Should Smith, who has finished in the top 10 at each of the last three Masters, fail to perform, then the wolves will be at the door. Tiger Woods will be teeing it up, a treat that we as fans should always cherish. Ten years after his famous win, Adam Scott is back for another crack at Augusta, as is Min Woo Lee, whose Masters debut last year was incredibly impressive. Fans are called "patrons", and they are prohibited from carrying mobile phones around the course. The long grass isn't called rough at Augusta National, it becomes the "second cut".

Greeted warmly on the range on Monday at Augusta National, Cameron Smith says a wave of relief washed over him. He was a little nervous about how, ...

Just a few things to clean up and get back on this golf course, and I think I’ll be away.” But now I show up and I’m ready to [try] win this thing.” I think there’s a lot of chatter about these guys don’t play real golf; these guys don’t play real golf courses,” he said. With four top-10 results from six previous appearances at Augusta, Smith said he felt ready to follow in countryman Adam Scott’s footsteps and don the Masters green jacket. Unless it’s a problem for [Augusta], I’m going to wear it.” Smith fielded several questions about his new tour given he is the only LIV golfer to hold a press conference this week. “I have another set of clothes made up this week without them,” he said. “For me, it’s frustration when I’m playing like this on any tour,” he said. But the Queenslander faded to a tie for third. It pales in comparison to his pre-Augusta form last year, when he had won the Tournament of Champions and Players Championship leading in. The good vibes Smith feels at Augusta are as recent as last year, when he played in the final group with eventual champion Scottie Scheffler and came within one shot after two holes of the final round. Greeted warmly on the range on Monday at Augusta National, Cameron Smith says a wave of relief washed over him.

'Wasn't sure what to expect': Smith slams golf war 'rubbish' after pleasant Masters surprise.

“The leg, I don’t know how much better it’s ever going to get... “I think he’ll be fine,” Couples said of Woods. “They were saying the same stuff they would say if I was on the other side.” American Kevin Na defended LIV and the spicy rivalry. “I really wasn’t sure what I was going to expect walking onto the range but it was good to see some familiar faces and lot of smiles.” “It has been great,” he said. “I’m going to be ready no matter how many events I played,” Johnson said. We’re all good friends.” LIV’s Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 US Open champion, said he was hugged by top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler and the reception from players was “unbelievable.” “The fans were awesome,” he added. We’re all happy where we are and I’m just as happy for the guys winning on the PGA Tour as I am for LIV golfers.” Johnson, the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters winner who took LIV’s 2022 individual crown, went around with US countrymen Kevin Kisner, Brian Harman and Gary Woodland. “It’s nice to see a lot of the guys because I haven’t seen them all that much,” Johnson said. “I played a long time with all these guys. “For me it’s the same. Australian Smith said the reception was important for the sport.

After going viral last year when he hit a ball onto the 18th green from outside a pub at St Andrews, Harrison Crowe now wants to create a stir by making an ...

"It shows the character I am. "But I'm definitely going to revel in it. It will be a different situation when I stand on the first tee." "I get to play with a past champion within [the last] 10 years … "I think it's definitely a pleasure to feel the pressure. that kind of helped me to look past the benefits that come with winning the event."

Can Scottie Scheffler do it again? Will Tiger contend? Who else should be getting our attention? We answer all the big questions ahead of the Masters.

He has only one top-5 finish in a major -- a tie for third at the 2019 PGA Championship -- and one top-10 at the Masters, a tie for ninth in 2019. [Patrick Cantlay](http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/6007/patrick-cantlay) is one of the best players in the world, especially with a driver in his hand. After finishing tied for 11th at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Zalatoris finished tied for 36th and missed the cut before finishing fourth at Riviera. In the past three tournaments, however, Zalatoris has finished tied for 53rd, 73rd and tied for 59th. Day has missed the cut in the past two Masters he has played in, but he finished top-5 in 2019. Past champions [Dustin Johnson](http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/3448/dustin-johnson) and [Patrick Reed](http://www.espn.com/golf/player/_/id/5579/patrick-reed) haven't played much, either. The LIV Golf players are probably going to be sporting their team logos on shirts and hats, so the elephant in the room isn't going to be completely invisible. Uggetti: It all depends, but I think it will ebb and flow depending on the tournament's results and what players say on the podium. Schlabach: I don't think it's going to be as much of a storyline as expected because everyone is going to be on their best behavior at Augusta National. Mickelson won't address the media in a formal news conference before the Masters starts Thursday, so there's going to be a microscope on him during practice and the early rounds, after he skipped this event, which he has won three times, in 2022. Schlabach: Given the way Mickelson played in the majors last year and what he did in LIV Golf's first three tournaments this season, finishing 27th in Mexico, 32nd in Tucson, Arizona, and 41st in Orlando, Florida, I wouldn't expect much of anything. I won't go as far as to say he will contend, but it should be another promising step in this new stage of his career.

Greg Norman has flagged wild scenes on Augusta National's 18th green on Monday (AEDT) if an LIV golfer win...

"Just let this play out because what we are doing for their brand is phenomenal. READ MORE:

9Now an 9GEM screens live golfing action from Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia this week.

Saturday, April 8 5.00am-9.30am Live on 9Gem and 9Now Friday, April 7 5.00am-9.30am Live on 9Gem and 9Now Its rich, unparalleled history of delivering unforgettable moments and edge-of-your-seat drama continues to make Augusta a must-see sporting event for golf fans across Australia.

Eighty-eight players will tee it up this week at Augusta National for the 87th Masters Tournament. Defending champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will ...

Tom Kim: He’s top 20 in strokes gained approach this season, but this is his Masters debut and he’s yet to finish better than 23rd in a major. Lefty has no top-15s in his last four Masters starts before not playing last year. But he is 8 under over his past two Masters and has three straight top-15s here, including his win in 2021. He missed the cut in his Masters debut last year and is currently ranked No. Justin Rose: His two MCs in 17 Masters appearances have come in the last four years. He’s not in great form, though, ranking outside the top 75 in strokes gained approach and failing to notch a top-50 since his top-10 at Genesis. He’s top 25 in strokes gained approach and should finish closer to his T-5 at the 2019 Masters than his MCs the last two appearances. Max Homa: He’s been hot this year with a win and four other top-10s, and he’s coming off his first Masters made cut in three tries last year. However, he’s currently outside the top 50 in strokes gained approach, down in driving distance, and he’s only posted two top-10s in seven starts this year. Just wish he’s not failed to crack the top 30 in his last three worldwide starts. Top 10 in strokes gained approach and has finished in the top 15 in three straight majors; only Rory McIlroy has done that. He’s 12 under on the second nine in his career, but he’s 13 over on the first nine.

As the last wraparound season on the PGA TOUR continues to generate compelling achievements, it's fitting that the first tournament of the second half is ...

To that end, experience on the course not only is an achievement of personal pride as a golfer, but it matters when it comes to winning the Masters. The champion will earn 600 FedExCup points, a PGA TOUR membership exemption through 2028, a lifetime exemption into the Masters and exemptions into the other three majors through 2027. Augusta National is equipped with the full slate of four par 3s and four par 5s, but the most attention will be directed at the par-5 13th hole. So, he’s still the man to beat at the Masters that he won by three in 2022. Beneath the expanded ranking of projected contenders is a review of what’s new, objectives required to perform well and more. It’s time for the 87th edition of the Masters.

Tiger Woods, an 82-time PGA Tour champion, is expected to be part of the 2023 Masters field at Augusta National Golf Club.

Check out the 2023 Masters odds below and then His ability to leverage his course experience over his recent form will determine where Woods ends up on the 2023 Masters leaderboard. A five-time Masters champion, Woods has the lowest career scoring average in the history of Augusta National (min. He's not a strong pick to win it all and there are far better values in the 2023 Masters field. The model has also revealed where Tiger will finish at the 2023 Masters. The model was also all over Rahm's (10-1) first career major championship victory at the 2021 U.S. This same model has also nailed a whopping eight majors entering the weekend. Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the weekend, but the model still projected him as the winner. It's the beginning of golf's major season, and virtually all of the top golfers in the world are in the 20223 Masters field. The latest 2023 Masters odds from Caesars Sportsbook list Scheffler as the 13-2 favorite. That bet hit at +5500, and for the entire tournament, McClure's best bets returned almost $1,100. Before locking in your 2023 Masters picks, be sure to

The world No.5 does not want to offend Augusta National officials, so had shirts prepared without the branding of his LIV Golf franchise in case they ban ...

“For sure, I’ll be the first one to say the fields aren’t as strong. I’m the first one to say that. I didn’t want to expect too much but, at the same time, I kind of wanted that, not only for myself but just for the game of golf. I think there’s a lot of chatter about, ‘these guys, don’t play real golf; these guys don’t play real golf courses’. Asked about the reaction from PGA Tour professionals at Augusta, Smith said: “I wasn’t really sure [what to expect] to be honest. Unless it’s a problem for these guys [Augusta National], I’m going to wear it.”

Cameron Smith, the reigning Open champion and the highest-ranked player in the Masters field representing the LIV Golf League, found himself on shaky ground, of ...

… Like I said before, I feel like this is a place where it kind of comes pretty naturally for me. That being said, Smith, 29, is in tune with the idea that at least a few of the 18 LIV golfers in the 88-man field need to make a good showing. He simply hasn’t been as sharp as a year ago when he won the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the Players Championship before his impeccable performance at St Andrews. Fortunately, the magic of Augusta National is in his favour. “I didn’t want to expect too much but at the same time, I kind of wanted that, not only for myself but just for the game of golf. So I’m kind of hoping that that happens again this year. If there was one, I definitely got left out of that one,” he said, drawing laughs. Norman floated the idea that should a LIV player win, the other 17 members of the tour will be on hand to help celebrate. “I was just kind of letting it all kind of happen naturally,” he continued. For sure, I’ll be the first one to say, the fields aren’t as strong. “I really wasn’t sure what I was going to expect walking onto the range, but it was good to see some familiar faces and a lot of smiles. And a sigh of relief.

The Australian appeared on the range in Augusta and was welcomed with smiles, hugs and handshakes.

“I think it’s just important for LIV guys to be up there because I think we need to be up there,” said Smith. “For sure, I’ll be the first one to say, the fields aren’t as strong. “I didn’t want to expect too much but at the same time, I kind of wanted that, not only for myself but just for the game of golf,” said Smith.

Saudi-backed LIV Golf's feud with the PGA Tour was set aside by players at Monday's first practice for the 87th Masters, but LIV boss Greg Norman hopes for ...

"The fans were awesome," he added. "If I'm playing how I should, I'll be right there at the end." "If one of the LIV players does win, it'll be definitely a huge statement for LIV," Koepka said. "It's nice to see a lot of the guys because I haven't seen them all that much," Johnson said. "I'm not sure what's going to happen. "I wasn't sure what I was going to expect walking onto the range but it was good to see some familiar faces and lot of smiles."

As the last wraparound season on the PGA TOUR continues to generate compelling achievements, it's fitting that the first tournament of the second half is ...

To that end, experience on the course not only is an achievement of personal pride as a golfer, but it matters when it comes to winning the Masters. The champion will earn 600 FedExCup points, a PGA TOUR membership exemption through 2028, a lifetime exemption into the Masters and exemptions into the other three majors through 2027. Augusta National is equipped with the full slate of four par 3s and four par 5s, but the most attention will be directed at the par-5 13th hole. So, he’s still the man to beat at the Masters that he won by three in 2022. Beneath the expanded ranking of projected contenders is a review of what’s new, objectives required to perform well and more. It’s time for the 87th edition of the Masters.

The eyes of the golfing world this week will turn to the USA's so-called 'Peach State' of Georgia – to Augusta, specifically, and the perfectly-manicured ...

He entered the WGC-Match Play a week ago ranked 56th in the world, needing a strong performance to finish in the top 50 and earn last-gasp qualification for the Masters. “Last week when I was in America I did spend a bit of time talking to Cam Davis and Min Woo. “Hopefully I play with some of the Aussie guys come Masters week,” he said. He’s got every part of the game that you need at the Masters.” There’s a lot in that, there’s a lot of match fitness in golf. There’s a lot of pressure at the Masters, the first major of the year. I can still come and win majors and still play the LIV tour.” The signs are positive, and Gow says: “Expect Jason Day to have a great week.” The only Australian to ever win the Masters, Adam Scott is back at Augusta 10 years on from his historic win. Driving of the ball has normally been the Achilles heel for Jason over the years because the putting’s exceptional. Nevertheless, he’s started 2023 in sensational fashion, going 3-0 in the group rounds of the WGC Match Play last week, including a dominant 4&3 win over Collin Morikawa. Now the former world number one is out to finally add a second major trophy to his silverware cabinet this week.

Mito Pereira's final-hole collapse cost him the PGA Championship title last May and while it was enough to earn him an invite to this week's Masters, ...

I've seen it on TV so many times, and you can't really ask for more being here and playing the Masters this year." But the pressure of a major proved to be Pereira's undoing as he squandered a one-shot advantage on the 18th hole where he drove into a creek off the tee en route to a double-bogey that knocked him out of a playoff. AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 3 (Reuters) - Mito Pereira's final-hole collapse cost him the PGA Championship title last May and while it was enough to earn him an invite to this week's Masters, the Chilean said on Monday he is under no illusion that he could slip into a Green Jacket.

Here are the players who have my interest—and those who certainly don't—this week at the 2023 Masters Tournament. Golfers I'm Definitely Playing.

Follow him on Twitter: [@RickRunGood](http://twitter.com/rickrungood). [Listen to Golf Digest's weekly betting podcast, "The Loop" (above) where we interview the industry's leading experts (and sometimes tour pros) to help you make your bets and pick your fantasy lineups. He’s lost 0.63 strokes per round to the field during that extended period, which is the worst play of anyone in this field with at least 50 rounds, per the RickRunGood.com golf database. His game looks a bit ragged at the moment, with the putter being a major concern. He missed the cut at the Saudi International then went T-5, 24th and T-26 at his three LIV starts this season. It feels like Spieth has three or four Masters titles on his resume already, but I can assure you that it’s only one (2015). His game, entering this week, is strong and he’s no longer reliant on his short game. He gained 8.5 strokes off-the-tee and 2.37 with the putter, per the RickRunGood.com golf database. Kirk will make his first start at the Masters since 2016 and will be playing it for the fourth time in his career. Im has spiked twice in his three trips to Augusta National, earning a T-2 in 2020 and eighth-place finish in 2022. Experience will matter on the putting surfaces, with nuance and deceit lurking in every blade of grass. Augusta National is always the star of Masters week, no matter who ends up donning the green jacket on Sunday.

No shortage of great story lines for the Masters, starting with Tiger Woods seeking record 83rd Tour title, Rory McIlroy trying to complete Grand Slam.

- On the brink: If any player in the field is due to finally win a major, it has to be Tony Finau. - Koepka on rebound: Greg Norman says he wants all 18 of his golfers to celebrate behind the 18th green if the Masters champion turns out to be one of his 18 LIV golfers competing at Augusta. 6 in the world and a top-10 finisher in his last three Masters appearances, is overdue to put himself back on the world map. Another possibility is 24-year-old Australian Min Woo Lee, who tied for 14th with Fleetwood at the 2022 Masters and T6 last month at The Players. The best bet to pull this off might be another Englishman, Tommy Fleetwood, who owns six European Tour wins and had top-5 finishes last year at The Open and PGA Championship. - Higher risk: With Augusta National lengthening the par-five, 13th hole from 510 yards to 545 yards, look for a lot more golfers to back off going for the green with their second shots, especially in colder weekend conditions. There were only 10 foreign players in the field for Player’s last win in 1978 and 15 for Ballesteros’ final triumph in 1983. But the world’s highest-ranked player to leave the Tour for LIV has cooled off considerably the past couple months, failing to contend in his last four LIV events. In three tournaments in 2023, the nine-time Tour winner has played a collective even-par and not come close to contending. - Grand Slam wait: A month short of his 34th birthday, Rory McIlroy has had eight opportunities at the Masters to become the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam and fallen short. Zalatoris has finished in the top-8 at six of the past 10 majors. 1 in the world last year for the first time right before winning the Masters.