Sergio Garcia has words for 'bitter' Rory McIlroy and LIV critic Fred Couples

LIV Golf player Sergio Garcia has responded to the comments made by Hall of Famer Fred Couples, who labelled the Spaniard 'a clown' in a recent interview.

Ben Smith

20 Mar 2023

Sergio Garcia has words for 'bitter' Rory McIlroy and LIV critic Fred Couples — Sergio Garcia has words for 'bitter' Rory McIlroy and LIV critic Fred…

Sergio Garcia says he 'doesn't have a problem with anybody' when he was pressed on the comments made by Fred Couples.

In case you missed it, Hall of Famer Couples took aim at a few LIV Golf League guys last week.

Couples was speaking before a PGA Tour Champions event when he labelled Garcia 'a clown', Cameron Smith 'comical' and Phil Mickelson 'a nutbag'.

Garcia was back in action with his Fireballs in Tucson last week and his side won the team element, splitting a $3m bonus prize.

As for Garcia, he also fared well on the course, finishing T-6 in the 48-man field for a $620,000 payday at The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson.

The Spaniard, 43, was also involved in this hilarious moment when he was caught taking a leak during the LIV broadcast.

Garcia was asked what he made of the comments made by Couples and Rory McIlroy, who famously labelled LIV 'dead in the water'.

Garcia told Sports Illustrated when asked about the comments made by Couples:

"It's what it is. It's disappointing because I don't know where he's going with this. But it's Freddy 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 my life, in this case, is my life. So, I don't think he should comment on what me or any of these other guys should have done because we didn't tell him what he had to do."

So Sergio, are Couples and McIlroy just bitter?

He said:

"I don't know. You'd probably have to ask them. I think, at the end of the day, we are where we want to be. We're happy to be here, and that's the most important thing for us.

"Everyone, what do they say? Everybody has an opinion, the same as the other thing. Obviously everyone is going to talk. At the end of the day, we're very happy where we are. We love the product. You just have to see what's going on out here. So just go and ask them."

LIV's PGA Tour rival has moved in recent weeks to further counter the threat of the Saudi-backed golf league.

In 2024, it has been confirmed that some of their designated events will be without a cut. The fields will also be smaller.

Phil the Thrill has already pointed out the irony of this, saying how the changes that resemble LIV are 'comical' at this point.

Garcia was asked if some of the younger guys who 'don't make it' into the PGA's elevated events will flock to LIV.

He said:

"I don't know. It's a good question. I guess we'll wait and see, but not anybody can get in here. You have to be a great player and a big supporter and believe in what's going on here.

"I'm not going to lie. I'm happy about what's happening on the PGA Tour because I have a lot of friends there and they deserve to get everything that they're getting, and I'm happy for them. The same way that they're happy that I'm here and doing what we're doing.

"So I guess we'll see what happens in the future."

The 2023 Masters is right around the corner.

Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler has picked his menu the likes of Mickelson and Tiger Woods will feast on at Augusta National.

Garcia was the latest player to be asked about any 'tension' between the players on both sides of the divide.

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He said:

"I don't know. You'll have to ask whoever is going to feel awkward. I'm going to feel fine. I don't have any problems with anyone, and I try not to make a big deal out of it.

"I'm going to be there because I earned it, because I deserve it, and I'm going to enjoy it. I hope the rest of the guys do the same."

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