Sergio Garcia says he is frustrated with fellow Masters champion Fred Couples, who last week launched a few barbs at Garcia and other members of LIV Golf.
Couples speaking ahead of the PGA Tour Champions Hoag Classic in Newport Beach, Calif., included Garcia calling Phil Mickelson a “nutbag” in reference to being annoyed by “all these other clowns.”
“It Is What It Is,” Garcia Said Sports Illustrated on Friday at the LIV event in Tucson, Arizona. “It’s frustrating because I don’t know where he’s going with this. But it’s Freddie so he can say whatever he wants and then we can say whatever we want. I think at the end of the day his life is his life.” And in this case my life is my life. So, I don’t think they should comment on what I or any of them should do because we didn’t tell them what to do.
Mickelson was also given a chance to respond to Couples by SI, who also said of the six-time major winner, “If you’re willing to pay Phil Mickelson $200 million at age 53 to shoot 74 and 75.” If so, God bless you.”
“We’ve been friends for many years,” Mickelson said. “That’s all I’ll really say.”
Mickelson, who did not attend last year’s Masters festivities, is expected back in a few weeks at Augusta National, where he, Sergio Garcia and a few other past green-jacket winners who have since joined LIV , will join the couples attending the Champions Dinner. , hosted by Scotty Scheffler on the Tuesday night before the tournament.
Although Scheffler joked to Bubba Watson, whom he met while on vacation last year, that he would put Watson at a different table, the current world No. 1 isn’t expecting any drama.
“Getting all those people together in one room, I mean, it must be a lot of fun,” Scheffler said. “It’s a historic group of guys, the Masters champions, and I’m sure we’ll all put our personal opinions aside and just have a good night and really enjoy the night.”
Garcia was asked about the potential awkwardness.
“I don’t know,” Garcia said. “You have to ask who’s feeling awkward. I’d love it. I don’t have a problem with anybody, and I try not to make a big deal out of it. I’m going there because I’ve earned it, because I deserve it, and I’m going to enjoy it. I hope the rest of the players do the same.”
