Masters Will Be 'More Fun Knowing That They Hate Us' - Niemann Stokes Up LIV-PGA Rivalry
Joaquin Niemann says that LIV Golf stars playing at the Masters will be going all-out to beat their PGA Tour rivals at Augusta


The LIV Golf v PGA Tour rivalry at the Masters has largely been played down by the players so far in the build-up, until Joaquin Niemann stepped up as mischief maker in chief by stoking the fire of this intriguing subplot.
It’s not like the first Major of the year at the iconic Augusta National doesn’t get enough hype already, but being the first Masters since the sport was split open by Greg Norman’s Saudi enterprise it has that little bit more juice this year.
Jon Rahm said the Champions Dinner could be a bit of a frosty affair, which can’t have been helped by Fred Couples labelling Sergio Garcia a “clown” and Phil Mickelson a “nutbag” recently.
While they’re unlikely to be sitting together for Scottie Scheffler’s Masters menu, back out on the course there could be even more icy glares being bounced about with former friends Garcia and Rory McIlroy on the same property.
“It’s going to be more fun for us knowing that they hate us.”Joaquin Niemann is ready for a PGA Tour vs. LIV rivalry at the Masters: https://t.co/mDUqKvwlIj pic.twitter.com/HNzr8FlGtOMarch 30, 2023
Matt Fitzpatrick has already said he wouldn’t let any LIV Golf player back on the PGA Tour and all this is before you throw in Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed, who you feel could get into an argument in a phone box.
Brooks Koepka and Bubba Watson have tried to calm the atmosphere, but Chilean Niemann is having none of it, saying that the 18 LIV Golf players in the Masters are out to beat up their PGA Tour rivals.
“I think it’s going to be more fun knowing that they hate us,” Niemann told golf.com. “Then go to the Majors and beat them.”
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.
The 24-year-old has a hint of mischief about his comments, but there’s also more than a glimmer of truth in there as he describes what he feels is a fierce rivalry between the two factions.
“There is a big rivalry right now between the Tour and LIV,” he added. “I think there is a lot of players that - I don’t know if they don’t like us or don’t like the decisions that we take, but it’s going to be fun.
“Since they gave us the notice that we’re going to be able to play the Majors, I was like, it’s going to be so much fun those four weeks. Four weeks in the year against them, and try to beat them."

Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.
-
Andrew Novak And Ben Griffin Seal Maiden PGA Tour Titles At Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
The duo held off the challenges of Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard and Frank Capan III and Jake Knapp to win the TPC Louisiana team tournament
By Mike Hall
-
Mao Saigo Claims Maiden Major Title At Chevron Championship Title After Thrilling Five-Way Sudden Death Playoff
The Japanese star made a birdie on the first extra hole at The Club at Carlton Wood as her four challengers faltered
By Mike Hall
-
Scottie Scheffler Adds Extra PGA Tour Event To Hectic Upcoming Schedule
The World No.1 begins a hectic period of the season with an appearance in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson
By Mike Hall
-
Watch Bryson DeChambeau Smash 400+ Yard Monster Drive In LIV Golf Mexico Practice
DeChambeau is hitting mega drives this week in the 7,800ft altitude setting of Golf Club de Chapultepec in Mexico City
By Elliott Heath
-
Tiger Woods Heads 8 Golfers To Make All Time Rich List Of Top 50 Highest Paid Athletes
Tiger Woods is the second highest paid athlete of all time behind only Michael Jordan in a new top 50 rich list from Sportico
By Paul Higham
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic Foursomes
Defending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
By Paul Higham
-
'I’ve Never Seen Someone Hit A Driver That Good. He Played So Freaking Good. And You Almost Feel Like, How Do I Compete With That?' - Akshay Bhatia Wowed By McIlroy's Masters Display
Akshay Bhatia lavished praise on Rory McIlroy's game at the Masters after playing the opening two rounds alongside the eventual champion at Augusta
By Paul Higham
-
‘I Spoke To Two Presidents The Day After’ – Rory McIlroy Reflects On 'Absolutely Amazing' Reaction To Masters Win
The five-time Major winner revealed he had spoken to two presidents in the aftermath of completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters
By Mike Hall
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2025
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry defend their title as players compete for a record purse in the unique team competition
By Mike Hall
-
Rory McIlroy Career Grand Slam Celebrated With Royal Mail Postmark
Rory McIlroy's Masters win, which made him the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, was celebrated with a special postmark by the Royal Mail
By Mike Hall