Fred {Couples} known as the LIV-PGA Showdown ‘bizarre.’ Right here’s why

Fred {Couples} wanted a nudge to tune into The Showdown earlier this week.

Not as a result of he had something in opposition to the exhibition — which pitted PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler in opposition to LIV standouts Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka — however as a result of he forgot it was on.  

“One way or the other Brooks let me down,” {Couples} mentioned Thursday from the PNC Championship. “I textual content Brooks fairly a bit.”

As a substitute, the reminder got here by means of {Couples}’ spouse, Suzanne, who noticed a photograph of Scheffler’s spouse, Meredith, on social media.  

“Why is she in Vegas?” Suzanne requested Fred.

“I mentioned, ‘Effectively, they’re enjoying the match.’”

Then got here one other reminder, by means of a textual content from {Couples}’ former caddie, Joe LaCava, who now loops for Patrick Cantlay. LaCava was curious if {Couples} was watching the Shadow Creek-based occasion.  

When {Couples} did lastly flip on the motion, the gamers have been on the fifth gap. “It was pitch darkish and freezing,” {Couples} mentioned. “Now, I don’t know why they’d do this, to play a match that large [in such challenging conditions].”

Certainly, by the competition’s conclusion, temperatures would drop into the low 50s. The air was so cool that DeChambeau wore a puffy knee-length parka between pictures, the type you would possibly see NFL quarterbacks don on the sidelines. The gamers misplaced some pop off their drives and, in moments anyway, regarded lower than thrilled to be battling the coolness as they motored round in carts.

“It was simply bizarre,” {Couples} mentioned of the vibe, echoing the sentiment of no scarcity of golf followers who shared their very own reactions on social media.

{Couples}, it needs to be famous, has been no nice fan of LIV, an opinion he has not been shy about broadcasting. His main beef has been with these LIV signees who’ve taken digs on the PGA Tour, however he additionally has aired grievances about LIV’s funding and format.

“I don’t suppose I’ll ever perceive it,” {Couples} mentioned of LIV on the Masters in April. “Possibly I’ll go to at least one [LIV event] and see what it’s actually, actually like. I understand how nice they’re as gamers. I get all of it, and I get the 54 holes and also you drive a cart to your tee and shotgun. That’s simple to select on. Generally I’ve picked on feedback that individuals have made, and I’ve picked on feedback that they speak concerning the Tour, which I’ve mentioned I’ve now 44 years invested in, and I don’t need anybody choosing on a tour that I believe is excellent.

“Now, all the things can get higher, however let me let you know, if the LIV tour is best for golf, I’m lacking one thing there. However once more, I’m not right here to bash them anymore.”

{Couples} has mentioned he has taken no situation with these LIV gamers — particularly, Koepka and Dustin Johnson, he has mentioned — who’ve quietly gone about their enterprise.

Given all of this context, {Couples} seemingly was watching The Showdown by way of a unique lens than followers who’ve embraced LIV. Regardless of the robust enjoying situations, although, {Couples} mentioned he nonetheless loved watching the gamers compete.

“I believed it was enjoyable,” he mentioned of the LIV-vs.-PGA Tour idea. “It didn’t matter to me who received. I bash LIV, I bash the Tour on occasion. These are 4 nice, nice guys. I’ve numerous coronary heart for Brooks and Bryson. However I really like Scheffler and Rory. I believe they placed on a present.”

{Couples} is aware of a factor or two about placing on a present in exhibition golf. In 11 appearances within the Skins Recreation, he earned the moniker “Mr. Skins” for profitable a mixed 77 skins and greater than $4.4 million in pocket change.  

The final Skins Recreation was performed in 2008, however the occasion is being rebooted subsequent 12 months by way of a partnership between the PGA Tour and new golf-media firm Professional Store. {Couples} received’t be enjoying however he mentioned he is more likely to have one other function: honorary starter.

“I’m simply curious what they’re going to play for,” {Couples} mentioned of the gamers he’ll be asserting. “That is going to must be a ton of cash.”