LIV Golf Players Motivated By Negativity At 150th Open
LIV players have been motivated by negative comments from fellow players, the R&A and media


The emergence of LIV Golf has played a huge part in the news cycle over the recent months and there's a big chance of one of Greg Norman's men lifting the Claret Jug come Sunday.
Some fans will be licking their lips over the prospect of a LIV Golf headliner Dustin Johnson vs PGA Tour loyalist Rory McIlroy scenario coming down the stretch. Rest assured, LIV would be loving it too.
The Saudi-backed circuit also has Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Lee Westwood, Sadom Kaewkanjana, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Laurie Canter, Paul Casey and Bryson DeChambeau in for the weekend with a shout of challenging come Sunday evening.
Video: What is LIV Golf?
The word on the street at St Andrews is that LIV players have been motivated by the negative comments from fellow players, the R&A and media. R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers and Tiger Woods were very strong with their thoughts on LIV earlier in the week during their press conference amid the growing divide in the sport.
Abraham Ancer said there's a "really cool camaraderie" between the LIV players and also said it would be "really cool" if a LIV player won the Claret Jug.
"I know there's a lot of talent in the guys that went to LIV," the Mexican said. "I'm not surprised or concerned about that. I feel like they're going to be up there in big events. They're big time players. Yeah, but I mean, definitely it's a really cool camaraderie between us, I guess. And it's been fun
"Yeah, that would be cool [a LIV player winning]. I think it would be really cool. But I think just let the best player win."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Talor Gooch admitted the LIV players have "caught a lot of flack" recently and said that the negativity towards them has banded them together.
"I think there's some strong players, no doubt," Gooch said. "The credentials of everyone speaks for themselves. It's obviously cool for me to see other guys that are out there playing well. We've caught a lot of flack for what we've done here recently.
"Everybody, it feels like, is against us, and that's okay. Like you said, it's kind of banded us together, I think."
Sergio Garcia said he is hoping the LIV players do "really, really well" as it "helps all of us," while Dustin Johnson praised the crowds at St Andrews despite Ian Poulter receiving some boos on the 1st tee on both Thursday and Friday.
"The crowds have been fantastic," DJ said. "I've always had a lot of support over here. Yeah, it's been that way this week. A lot of support out there, and the fans have been great.
Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Srixon Z Star XV
-
Tee Box Inequality: Why Aren't All Tees Rated For Women?
Long-hitting female golfers are let down by tee ratings
By Katie Dawkins Published
-
Charlie Woods And Kai Trump Both Make Big Moves In AJGA Rankings
Just playing in the prestigious Sage Valley event has seen both Charlie Woods and Kai Trump rise over 200 places in the American Junior Golf Association rankings
By Paul Higham Published
-
Houston Open Tee Times 2025: Rounds One And Two
Rory McIlroy is in the early-late wave this week in Houston, while Scottie Scheffler is on the opposite side of the draw
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘You Don’t Want 10-Year-Old Kids Punting Their Putters Across The Green Every Time They Miss A Putt’ - Rory McIlroy Says Tour Pros Have ‘Responsibility’ To Set Good Example After Recent Viral Clips Showcasing Players’ Frustrations
Speaking at the Texas Children's Houston Open, McIlroy explained how displaying emotion on the course shows the pros 'are human', but there's also a 'responsibility to set an example'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'The Loss Of A Few Trees Is Definitely Noticeable' - Rory McIlroy On What He Learned From Augusta National Practice Round Ahead Of 2025 Masters
The four-time Major winner made a trip to Augusta National earlier this week in preparation for The Masters
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘Give The Lad A Break. He’s A Very Good Caddie. Harry, Don’t Read The S****’ - Billy Foster On Critics Of Rory McIlroy’s Caddie
The experienced looper has spoken out and defended McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, with Foster claiming the 'criticism is not fair at all'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Caddie Harry Diamond May Have Earned Almost $900,000 In Bonus Money Already This Year (More Than The PGA Tour Average) After World No.2's Strong Start
McIlroy has picked up two wins so far in 2025 and could well have shared a decent portion of his winnings with long-time assistant, Diamond
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'I Can't See Why Anybody Wouldn't Want To Do This' - Padraig Harrington Outlines Reasons Rory McIlroy Will 'Likely' Change His Damning Verdict On Playing Senior Golf
After Rory McIlroy recently said he would never play senior tour golf, Padraig Harrington explained why he thinks the World No.2 could well change his mind
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Impressive Players Championship TV Ratings Show Rory McIlroy Is Golf's Needle Mover
McIlroy's victory at The Players Championship drew an increase in viewership over 2024, with his recent victories on the PGA Tour showing that he could well be the new needle mover
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy Adds New Event To Pre-Masters Schedule
McIlroy will make his debut in the Houston Open next week, the World No.2 has confirmed
By Elliott Heath Published