Smith calls ‘BS’ over LIV claim… but pre-Masters post exposes big flop, star’s ‘horrible mistake

Rahm’s Struggles at the Masters Raise Questions About LIV Golf’s Competitive Edge

In the lead-up to the Masters tournament last weekend, Sergio Garcia, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, boldly declared on Twitter that he and his fellow LIV competitors were gunning for the coveted green jacket. However, their performances during the tournament left much to be desired.

Despite high expectations, none of the 13 LIV Golf participants managed to secure a top-five finish. Only three, including Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith, made it into the top 10. The combined performance of the LIV contingent resulted in a disappointing total score of +82 for the weekend.

This stark contrast to the previous year’s results, where LIV Golf players claimed three of the top six positions, raised concerns about the competitive abilities of LIV players compared to their counterparts on the PGA Tour. While some attributed the underwhelming performance to the shorter format of LIV events (54 holes), others dismissed it as an overreaction.

Australian golfer Cam Smith vehemently refuted claims that LIV players lacked a competitive edge, labeling such assertions as “BS.” However, the overall performance of the LIV cohort drew widespread criticism, particularly directed at defending champion Jon Rahm.

Rahm’s lackluster performance, culminating in a tie for 45th place with a nine-over score, was a far cry from his previous successes. Despite attributing his struggles to challenging weather conditions, Rahm’s performance raised questions about his readiness to compete at the highest level.

Renowned golf journalist Oliver Holt delivered a scathing critique of Rahm’s performance, suggesting that his decision to join LIV Golf had hindered his ability to compete effectively on traditional 72-hole courses. Rahm’s inability to defend his Masters title further fueled speculation about the impact of his defection to LIV Golf.

The backlash against Rahm extended beyond the golf course, with reports of strained relationships with former PGA Tour acquaintances. Rahm acknowledged encountering hostile attitudes but remained steadfast in defending his decision to join LIV Golf.

Despite the criticism, Rahm maintained that the pressure to perform remained unchanged, emphasizing his determination to succeed regardless of the tournament format. However, his struggles at the Masters underscored lingering doubts about the competitive viability of LIV Golf and its impact on players’ performances on the global stage.