Golf World Reacts to Augusta National’s Decision on LIV Golfers at Masters

On Tuesday, Augusta National announced its decision to allow eligible LIV Golf members to play in the 2023 Masters.

“Regrettably, recent actions have divided men’s professional golf by diminishing the virtues of the game and the meaningful legacies of those who built it,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley wrote. “Although we are disappointed in these developments, our focus is to honor the tradition of bringing together a preeminent field of golfers this coming April.”

The announcement means that 16 LIV Golf defectors will be invited to the Masters come April, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith. The battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour is a contentious one, so naturally, the golf world had a lot to say about the two tours coming together at the biggest event of the year.

“you can come to the party, but none of the hosts want you there” - Fred Ridley and also my high school bully
— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) December 20, 2022

No surprise. Never made any sense for Masters to ban LIV players—it’d have taken out like 20% of their field.

And let’s remember: in this post-schism world, the majors arguably have more significance than ever as the only times *all* the best players compete against each other. https://t.co/o8aXC21hqX
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) December 20, 2022

If we don't get a Rory-Phil-Sergio group on Thursday-Friday at the Masters, then why even play the event? pic.twitter.com/fTXrizZo4c
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) December 20, 2022

Rory winning the '23 Masters over Cam. Only way the golf gods can make right for what they did at St. Andrews
— Joel Beall (@JoelMBeall) December 20, 2022

LIV golfers trying to say hi to Rory at The Masters pic.twitter.com/hZ15reOoId
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) December 20, 2022

What is the most chaotic grouping the Masters can send out for rounds 1 and 2? Only rule: you can’t put Phil with Tiger.

Rory, Poulter, Sergio?

Phil, Bryson and JT?

Reed, Rahm and…Bubba?

Is it Fred Couples and Cam Smith??? pic.twitter.com/8Qx8rQWp4t
— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) December 20, 2022

hey @TheMasters pair Rory with Phil and then toss in Kisner as their third just to stir the pot
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) December 20, 2022

My read: Augusta has been clear that it does not support LIV Golf. Doesn’t think it’s good for the game. In their ideal world, none of this would have happened. But they don’t view this as their battle to settle. https://t.co/o8aXC21hqX
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) December 20, 2022

Unless there is a change it’s safe to assume the OWGR qualification will not be an option for the non-champion LIV guys going forward. That leaves their result this year in the Masters and the other Majors as their opportunity to return to Augusta. https://t.co/JvxVfoNAA5 pic.twitter.com/EE2TKC9dTl
— Chris Murphy (@CS_Murph) December 20, 2022

A televised Champions Dinner would get Super Bowl ratings 😳 https://t.co/4Ag33pi8BU
— Drew Stoltz (@thesleezyman) December 20, 2022