“It’s a big deal” - Brooks Koepka’s coach gives his verdict on LIV golfer’s chances at 2023 Augusta Masters 

The 2023 Augusta Masters is set to begin on April 6. The organizers allowed 17 LIV Golf players, including Brooks Koepka, to compete in the biggest golf tournament.

Just before the start of the tournament, Koepka's coach Pete Cowen gave his verdict on the LIV golfer's chances at the 2023 Masters. Cowen spoke with The Times and stated that it would be difficult for LIV's rebel players at the tournament.

"I'm not optimistic about players who aren’t playing competitively on a regular basis. It's a big deal. Like any sport, if you're not competitively sharp, you struggle."

Last year, several of the most well-known PGA Tour players infamously severed their links with the organization to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf. The rebel tour offered greater payouts for lesser calendar commitments. But according to Cowen, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson could pay for their inactivity.

Given that Cowen has long advised the American around his short game, the former European Tour player has a particularly deep understanding of Koepka's style.

Given his recent struggles with a serious knee problem, Koepka's chances in Georgia seem dim, but Cowen thinks the LIV contingent as a whole would struggle.

Pete Cowen, later on, added:

"Whether they say they do or not, they all play for money. They are selfish and they have to be very good players. Ask Rory how much appearance money he gets a year. They all need to get round a table because if someone is investing billions into my sport I'd be saying, 'How can I accommodate you?'"

Selfishness, in Cowen's opinion, is not only ubiquitous in golf but also necessary for those who want to reach the top.

---

2023 Augusta Masters tournament - Full Schedule

The 2022 Masters - Final Round

The 87th Augusta Masters Tournament is scheduled to get underway on April 6 and end on April 9. Here is the itinerary for the mega event:

• April 3 - Pre-Tournament
• April 4 - Pre-Tournament
• April 5 - Pre-Tournament
• April 6 - Round 1
• April 7 - Round 2
• April 8 - Round 3
• April 9 - Round 4

---

List of 17 LIV Golfers invited to the 2023 Augusta Masters

Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson, all former Masters champions, will take part in the competition. Also scheduled to compete at the 2023 Augusta Masters are Thomas Pieters, Brooks Koepka, and Bubba Watson.

1. Dustin Johnson
2. Phil Mickelson
3. Brooks Koepka
4. Thomas Pieters
5. Bubba Watson
6. Abraham Ancer
7. Sergio Garcia
8. Bryson DeChambeau
9. Jason Kokrak
10. Talor Gooch
11. Kevin Na
12. Louis Oosthuizen
13. Joaquin Niemann
14. Charl Schwartzel
15. Patrick Reed
16. Harold Varner
17. Cameron Smith

---

Brooks Koepka joined LIV Golf in 2022

Brooks Koepka

Earlier in 2022, Brooks Koepka shocked the world with his decision to switch to the Saudi-backed controversial league LIV Golf. Koepka, alongside Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, was another big name from the PGA tour who made the switch to gamble their legacy for money.

In his first LIV Golf victory, Koepka defeated Peter Uihlein in a playoff to win the LIV Golf Invitational in Jeddah in October 2022.