The Masters has another layer of interest these days because it’s the first event of the season where the PGA Tour and LIV Golf players compete against each other.
Indeed, it’s only four times per year that the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa play alongside LIV’s finest, e.g. Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann and Bryson DeChambeau.
Morikawa was asked about this in his press conference before The Masters starts on Thursday, and he gave an interesting response.
It certainly seems that the two-time major champion will relish the challenge of added competition at Augusta National.
Collin Morikawa says what he thinks about Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann
Morikawa is already one of the favorites to win the Green Jacket this week, so he’s got no reason to worry about the inclusion of the LIV Golfers.
Having said that, his chances would automatically improve if they were not involved, so you could excuse him for wishing that was the case. But that’s not how Morikawa, or most elite athletes for that matter, tend to operate.
The 28-year-old is excited by the prospect of going up against all the best golfers on the planet, including Rahm and Niemann, whom he was asked specifically about on Wednesday.
Morikawa explained to the media: “I enjoy it. Look, I think everyone enjoys it. All those guys were amazing to me. They still are. We were very friendly out there.
“Look, I think the golf world enjoys seeing everyone playing together. I don’t think anyone would say no to that. Yeah, it’s amazing how much we take for granted in life, I think.”
“You look back at whenever LIV started and this whole debacle started, and back then when I first turned pro, no one really complained. We enjoyed it. But then this all happened, and you take things for granted. Do you get my point? You look back, and you’re like, man, we had it pretty good.
“Everyone always talks about money, and I think the whole money thing needs to get pushed aside. It’s just being golfers, being professional golfers, playing. These weeks are special now. You don’t take them lightly.”
Collin Morikawa explains whether he hopes PGA Tour and LIV Golf reach agreement
While some professional golfers have shared strong opinions on a potential merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Morikawa doesn’t appear too concerned.
Last year’s Masters third-place finisher showed his appreciation to those involved in negotiations because he’s content with not being too involved.
“I think from my perspective it’s what’s best for the PGA Tour. I haven’t sat in those meetings, and I know guys have sat countless hours, and I thank them for that.
“That’s up to the whole board and stuff. They’ll figure something out, one way or another.”
Whether any form of merger gets over the line remains to be seen, but what we do know is that golf fans would definitely love to see the top players all in action more often.
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