2 weeks Ago By Sam Smith
Nick Faldo insists the reaction to his stinging criticism of Bryson DeChambeau during the final round of the Masters was ‘bulls***’. The three-time green jacket winner was underwhelmed by DeChambeau’s performance after he led by one stroke two holes in the final round. The LIV Golf star collapsed, hitting seven under par and finishing four strokes behind winner Rory McIlroy and runner-up Justin Rose.
DeChambeau was tied for fifth, prompting Faldo to criticise some of his decisions throughout the round. Some fans were unhappy with the veteran golfer, believing he was kicking DeChambeau while he was down. But in a strong riposte, Faldo told The Times : “That’s bulls***.
I like the guy. I texted him after he won the US Open. “I don’t like the way he plays at times, which I’m allowed to criticise.
He said he was going to attack Troon last year. You don’t attack a links - you thread it down there. I’m not sure about his strategy, but he is great entertainment.
I’m a fan.” Faldo believes that the players who moved to LIV Golf have been affected by their switch to the breakaway league, where the Englishman says there is little jeopardy. He pointed out that Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka, who were both cut after hitting five over par, both struggled.
“If Max Verstappen only drove in a Formula One race four times a year, I’d be shocked if he could perform. You’ve got to be in the same arena all the time,” Faldo continued. “They have a fail-free tour.
They’ve got wonderful appearance fees and prize money galore and they’re guaranteed it next week whether they hit their hat or not. There’s no fear of failure, and that is a serious driving force. Cam Smith has gone quiet.
Brooks has gone quiet. You can’t tell me that in some way it hasn’t affected them. “I think they thought it was all going to be resolved, and they could run off and, even if they had to pay half of it back in a fine, they’d make a huge amount of money.
“But I don’t think [the PGA Tour-LIV divide] needs to be resolved. They’ve gone off to play their tour. Fine.
They’ve done incredibly well [financially] and, if your priority is a boatload of cash, you got it. But if you would rather have an incredible career, I think they’ve hurt themselves.”.
