Imago
Golf: LIV Golf – Press conferences Oct 26, 2022 Miami, Florida, USA Phil Mickelson during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz before the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Miami Trump National Doral Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20221026_jdm_sx1_013. Image Courtesy: IMAGO
Imago
Golf: LIV Golf – Press conferences Oct 26, 2022 Miami, Florida, USA Phil Mickelson during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz before the LIV Golf series at Trump National Doral. Miami Trump National Doral Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20221026_jdm_sx1_013. Image Courtesy: IMAGO
Last year, LIV Golf emerged and disrupted life as we knew it for the PGA Tour. Despite nearly a year passing since this began, the controversies continue. Especially with the defectors being allowed to compete in all the major championships, including the Masters this week. Amid that controversy, Fred Couples has had a lot to say. Just recently, he dissed the Saudi-backed league and Phil Mickelson, and now with his latest statement, he seems to have taken a complete U-turn!
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Fred Couples has a soft spot for Phil Mickelson
Just a few days ago, Couples, amid praising Lefty by saying that he was “probably one of the 10 best players that ever played,” also had some harsh words for Lefty. The 1992 Masters winner called the defector a “nutbag” for jumping ship and trashing the PGA Tour while doing so.
Top Stories
He added that he had no problem with the LIV golfers, except for one: their bashing of the Tour! “Just go to the LIV Tour, but stop blasting something I’ve been a part of for 42 years,” he said, as per the Orange County Register. “That’s my problem with (LIV golfers). They’re all bashing the PGA Tour, and that affects me a little bit.”
🚨 Fred Couples on Phil: “I would love to be paired with Phil". “I mean, he’s one of the best players that ever played. He loves this place as much as I do, and if we did (get paired), we’d look at each other on the first hole and we’d have a good time." (Via: @BobHarig)
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 3, 2023
Yet, soon after his stinging words for the golf pro and LIV Golf, Couples recently declared immense admiration for the six-time major winner. He completely turned back on his harsh words. “I would love to be paired with Phil,” he said, as per Sports Illustrated’s recent report, talking about the Masters this week, for which both golf pros have lifetime invites. “I mean, he’s one of the best players that ever played.”
Couples and Mickelson have a lot in common when it comes to the Masters
The 63-year-old PGA Tour loyalist explained that he and Lefty both had immense respect for the iconic Augusta National. He was certain that if the two were paired up, there would be no controversy; in fact, they would have a pretty good time. “He loves this place as much as I do, and if we did (get paired), we’d look at each other on the first hole, and we’d have a good time,” he stated.
Reuters
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 11, 2021. Phil Mickelson of the U.S. reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 2nd hole during the final round REUTERS/Mike Segar
It’s quite clear that, despite his jump to the breakaway tour, Couples had no issue with Mickelson. The Lefty had dished out some firm words against the tour. But from the loyalists’ end, they forgave it all. He was just looking forward to playing some good golf at one of the most coveted events in the sport!
Watch This Story – Phil Mickelson’s Unique Jordan Kicks Leaves Golf World in Puzzle
Do you think the two should be paired together? And will it turn out exactly as the loyalist imagines? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Akash Pandhare