Augusta Reunion

It’s been a while since this keyboard sounded off; it wasn’t for a lack of material that’s for sure. I figured what better time than on Masters Week to resurrect the occasional rantings of one man’s soul.

However, though Augusta National portrays themselves as the prototype of peace and serenity (listen to the fake birds during the week in the background); there still is underlying issue that surfaces each Spring at this mecca of golf. 

LIV golf started 3 years ago with the degenerative gamblerholic, Phil, realizing that his talents were now on the back 9 and needing to pay off his debts decided that the suddenly admirable Saudis money and the still irked Greg Norman’s new venture of a golf league sounds like something that would be perfectly timed in his career path. Less tournaments, guaranteed money just to join, bigger purses, bands, cheerleaders and a 3 day work week certainly sounded great so Phil called his friends and like the pied piper of Beverly Hills many other big names joined him.

Though LIV has had a number of the best players also join their ranks in these last couple years, it hasn’t taken off as I’m sure they wanted. Players would have their brief press conferences and explain why they made the move; family and flexibility seemed to be the main points of contention but it was clear to all, as always it was the money.

Jon Rahm was the last tipping point when signed with LIV for a guarantee of 300 million dollars, that’s before he teed off. The golf world thought that everyone would now go there and the PGA as we know would die off, not so fast. PGA vets spoke out in their own ways that it wasn’t good for the game but it did make them go back to the bargaining table and get the Tour to change up the schedule, increase the purses and undeniably state that if you went over to LIV that’s where you’ll play not back on the PGA tour. 

Why am I taking your time to go over this little 3 year history of a spat among millionaires?? Because this is where they reunite. Augusta does not play by the PGA’s rules or anyone else’s for that matter. So they have their own invitation list and one of the main criteria is if you won a Masters, you can always come back. Well that brings 7 LIV guys right back up Magnolia Lane along with a few others (12 in total). 

So whatever you think or not care about the creation and running of LIV golf, this week sets up great theatre because even though you’ll see pictures of players embracing on the range and such; way underneath they know that it’s a PGA vs. LIV undercard at play. 

Let the games begin!!!!