PLAYA DEL CAMEN – LIV Golf’s debut season 2022 was dominated by the discussion about the funding of upstart circuits and the player movement.
The focus now, in its second year, will be on golf. Is it going to deliver?
LIV managed to trim some of its deadweight players by bringing in PGA Tour winners Sebastian Munoz, Brendan Steele and world No. 34 Thomas Pieters. While none of these players are likely to change the course for golf fans, the league is certainly deeper than ever before.
Dustin Johnson’s 4 Aces GC was the dominant player in the inaugural eight-tournament series. However, players feel that year two will be more competitive.
“I believe there have been a lot more good players in the other teams that clearly needed it. It’s going be exciting to see how it all develops,” Sergio Garcia, Fireballs GC captain, said. He had returned all four of his players last year. “But I think there’s going be — there’s definitely going be two or three teams last year that struggled a bit, and they’re definitely going look stronger starting the season.
“I believe all of the teams are strong right now. It will be a tough season. However, I am confident about how strong this team is and how well the team works in team format,” said Joaquin Niemann (captain of Torque GC). “At the end, that’s why they’re here. We are a team. We love playing together and will be fighting all season for Team Torque. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
Niemann’s squad includes two LIV’s latest toys, Munoz Pereira and Mito Perueira. David Puig joined the league, which is led by Greg Norman, and backed directly by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Munoz stated, “We’re here for ourselves to prove ourselves.” “We are trying to prove our product. I believe we have a great product. We’re going to be a strong show this season.”
Each team will have to improve, as Johnson’s 4 Aces also added Peter Uihlein (fourth on ‘s money list last), to their championship squad, which also includes Patrick Reed and Pat Perez. Talor Gooch, last years fourth Ace, is now with Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats GC.
Johnson claimed that the team was as strong as last year and if not more so, that he won the individual season-long title for 2022. “I feel that we have the better deal with Pete. He’s a very nice player. He’s a great player.
Reed said, “If we four play the right way, then I feel like we are a tough team to beat.” Nothing is certain. It’s all about getting out there and grinding. If we play half of the game that we’re supposed too, then we’ll have a chance to win on Sundays.”
“Obviously, they won everything last season. “I’ve said it before, but they have an opening when they have one, they’re like Yankees and if they call, you answer the telephone,” Uihlein said.
Johnson responded dryly to a question about whether Gooch was sold or fired.
Johnson said that Talor wanted to play with (Harold Varner III of the RangeGoats). Johnson agreed. “Me and Talor are fine, we’re good friends, but I told him that he should have fun on the stage in Miami, because that’s the last time that he’ll do that.”
