Bubba Watson and Brooks Koepka expect a perfectly normal atmosphere at next week’s Masters Tournament when LIV Golf and PGA Tour players descend on Augusta National.
Currently, LIV rebels are banned from the PGA Tour meaning next week’s first major of the year will see players from both tours compete against each other. Rumours have been circulating for months over any potential flashpoints, particularly around Scottie Scheffler’s champions dinner which will see Watson, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed in attendance.
However, both Watson and Koepka insist they have no problem with the likes of Rory McIlroy and are expecting a normal major championship week with 2012 and 2014 Masters winner Watson planning to tee it up with Jason Day and Cameron Young in practice.
“Rory is protecting his entity, man. He’s protecting his business, which is fine,” said Watson speaking ahead of LIV Golf Orlando.
“I’m going to be honest, man. It’s only awkward in the media. I’ve talked to people that are going to be there. I’m going to sign up with Jason Day and Cam Young in the par-3. Some guys have already asked me to play some practice rounds.
“Media is the only one that is pushing it. I have nothing against anybody. If you change jobs, I’m not mad at you. If you start reporting for somebody else, hey, man, it’s a better decision for you and your family. Have at it.”
Four-time major champion Koepka revealed he sees McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Keegan Bradley regularly.
“I think that’s one of the big things. Down in Jupiter, we see each other — I was just with Rory and J.T. yesterday, and I think Keegan was there. We see each other quite a bit. I mean, there’s a lot of conversations.
“I was talking with Rory for probably about 30 minutes just about the ball and all the other stuff that’s going on.
“No one is angry at anybody from what I’ve seen.
“But I also don’t think that means anything personal with any of us. I’ve had relationships with them for — I’ve known J.T. since maybe 13, 14 years old maybe. Rory for, I don’t know, the last 10 years. It’s not anything we don’t see each other normally on a normal basis.”
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