Woods: "LIV Golf Players Are Traitors"... 'Fitzpatrick and Homa Paired in The Open Round'

Tiger Woods is listening to questions from the press at the official press conference of the 150th Open. St Andrews (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] The "Returned Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) targeted LIV Golf players.

On the 13th (Korean time) at the official press conference of the 150th Open held at the Old Course in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, he pointed out, "I think the players who moved to the LIV Golf series have turned their backs on the place that made them who they are today." He added, "They have already received a lot of money, so will they be motivated to train?" and expressed concern, "Since it is uncertain how world ranking points will be affected, some players may not be able to participate in majors in the future."

The world men's golf scene has been divided between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), but the LIV Golf, launched this year, is causing a seismic shift. Backed by Saudi Arabian capital and massive 'oil money,' it is steadily attracting top players. Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau (all USA), Sergio Garcia (Spain), and Ian Poulter (England) have all moved to LIV Golf.

Among the players remaining on the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and Justin Thomas (USA) have opposed LIV Golf, and this time Woods has firmly sided with the PGA Tour. It is known that Woods has already declined an offer from LIV Golf worth $1 billion (1.3 trillion KRW). He also criticized Greg Norman (Australia), who led LIV Golf, saying, "I don't know what good influence this situation has on golf."

Woods also predicted that he might not be able to participate again in the Open held at the Old Course in St Andrews, known as the "home of golf." The Open rotates among 10 courses in the UK, and the venues have already been decided through 2025. Woods said, "I didn't know when I would be able to play, so I really wanted to participate in this year's tournament," adding, "If I get to play in the Open held here once more, it would be an incredible event."

Meanwhile, Woods will play alongside 'US Open Champion' Matthew Fitzpatrick (England) and 'Wells Fargo Champion' Max Homa (USA) in the first round of the Open, which starts at 10:59 PM on the 14th. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) will be grouped with Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele (both USA). Kim Joo-hyung (20) will play the first and second rounds with Patrick Reed and Tom Hoge (both USA). Im Sung-jae (24) will be in the same group as Paul Casey (England) and Gary Woodland (USA).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.