Lee Westwood is confident that two LIV Golf players have the potential to shake things up at Augusta this year. The 51-year-old British golfer, currently active in the Saudi-backed tournament, believes that Sergio Garcia and Charl Schwartzel are among the strong contenders poised to make a surprise impact at the Masters.
The prestigious tournament is scheduled to kick off on Thursday with a dozen LIV players ready to compete in Georgia. 2023 champion John Rahm is considered one of the favorites alongside Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Despite a 45th-place finish last year, Rahm will be aiming to secure another coveted green jacket.
LIV’s lineup features several past Masters champions, including Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Bubba Watson, all aiming to replicate their previous successes during the upcoming tournament. Westwood hints that a repeat victory could be on the horizon.
Westwood, a former world number one with two runner-up finishes at Augusta, emphasizes the importance of knowing the course well. He highlights Schwartzel’s 2011 triumph as a potential advantage for causing an upset and points out Garcia’s recent strong performances, noting his potential to challenge for a second Masters title.
While acknowledging the significance of form in golf, Westwood mentions that mastering Augusta’s challenges is key to success in the tournament. Avoiding mistakes on the course will be crucial for any player looking to excel over the next few days.
Despite tough competition from other players in the tournament, McIlroy remains optimistic about achieving a career grand slam at Augusta, a feat only accomplished by five other golfers in history. McIlroy reflects on his childhood ambition to excel in golf and win all the Majors, expressing his determination to fulfill that dream by triumphing at Augusta.