“$400M...MY A**…it’s all about money”: When Fred Couples launched an expletive-laden rant against LIV Golfers’ claims on changing golf

Fred Couples has always been a major critic of LIV Golf. He didn't mince his words commenting on the breakaway league on his Sirius XM PGA Tour show 'The Fred Couples Show' in 2023.

LIV Golf has always promoted itself as a disruptor in golf. When the league started in 2022, it had drawn criticism from golf purists for the experimental format. The Saudi-backed circuit proudly uses their signature line, 'Golf but louder', and has claimed to have changed things around in the sport.

However, Fred Couples didn't agree with that and didn't hesitate when opining that money is the primary reason why LIV Golf had been able to sign so many top golfers.

"I want them to go for free. Go on CNN and every TV show and say why they're going because it's that good. $100M doesn't get it, $200M doesn't get it, $300M doesn't get it, but for $400M it's a great product and it's a great show...MY A**. Tell me the next guy who says, 'I'm going for free boys, I love this tour, I don't like the PGA Tour anymore'. No one is gonna do that," he said.

He further added:

"So what does that tell me? It's all about money, which is fine but don't sit there and say they're changing the game. What're they changing? The LIV Tour ain't changing a thing." [via Sports Illustrated]

LIV Golf has been known for rewarding players with hefty signing amounts and cash prizes.

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"Our tour is really what I'm worried about" - Fred Couples on the PGA Tour

Fred Couples (Source: Imagn)

Ever since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf has given the PGA Tour a run for its money. The two leagues have been pitted against each other in every way possible, especially when it concerns viewership.

One of the most entertaining golfers, Fred Couples was asked at the PNC Championship what advice he would offer to current players to be more entertaining. He said that irrespective of the rivalry, the community had to get people to "love golf again" and that showing more emotion is important.

"We have to get people to love the golf again. Everyone loves to play golf, but I think it's got nothing to do with... LIV this or our Tour that. Our tour is really what I'm worried about, and I don't even watch their tour. I don't know if they're laughing and giggling all the time, but our guys need to show a little more," he said.

After years of intense rivalry, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been working on a peace deal.