The Masters

'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.

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.

Cameron Smith wasn't sure what to expect on return to Augusta National but now he's back at a course he loves the Australian is hopeful he can end his run ...

"I've made my bed and I'm happy, very, very happy where I am. We are all happy where we are, and I'm just as happy for the guys winning out on the PGA Tour as I am for the LIV golfers, as well." For sure, I'll be the first one to say, the fields aren't as strong. "I was just kind of letting it all happen naturally. Lots of laughs and lots of handshakes, smiles and hugs," Smith said. "It was really nice.

There are five Aussies making the trip to Augusta National on the 10-year anniversary of Scotty's triumph at The Masters. Here are the details for the ...

Why he can win: It is always going to be an uphill battle for an Amateur to contend at Augusta National, but in his own words, "You're setting the bar too low for yourself, I think, if you don't believe you can win". You also don’t find yourself in the final group at The Players Championship without having something special about you, a premium ball-striker that will definitely fancy his chances. A plethora of good performances has seen the former World No.1 soar up the Official World Golf Rankings, and looks primed for a good outing at Augusta. Why he can win: Wouldn’t go as far as to say Jason Day is in career best form, but he is definitely trending in the right direction. Why he can win: Arguably Australia’s best chance making the trip down Magnolia Lane, Smith is a perennial performer around Augusta National and has proven that he can win big events. There are five Aussies making the trip to Augusta National on the 10-year anniversary of Scotty’s triumph at The Masters.

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".

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.