The Masters 2023: How will the LIV golfers perform?

LIV golfers are back to add an extra layer of excitement and a new dynamic ahead of this year’s renewal of the Masters, which has provided an ‘us against them’ vibe at Augusta.

The question on everyone's lips is: Can the LIV golfers compete for the green jacket? My initial reaction is to have some reservations as a lack of regular competitive sharpness ahead of the first major of the season might leave them at a distinct disadvantage.

The 18 LIV golfers set to take part warmed up in Orlando ahead of The Masters, but they haven’t had much action in the heat of battle so far in 2023 and Augusta might just prove too soon for them. That thought is derived from instinct rather than facts, however, so let’s take a closer look at who might be the most likely to thrive from the LIV golf tour.

LIV golfers to watch

There are several recent Masters’ champions togging out for LIV at Augusta this year - we can’t automatically write them off. The likes of Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia will be teeing it up. They are feisty competitors who might feel the extra motivation of having a point to prove. The same can be said for Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, and Louis Oosthuizen.

The latter has a strong major championship pedigree and finished tied for the lead after 54 holes in Tucson recently. Oosthuizen has no less than six runner-up finishes in majors to his name, adding to his Open Championship win. The South African is rocking into some form under the radar and could be one to watch around a course he loves.

However, it is Dustin Johnson who stands out in the ‘former winner’ category due to his stature. The 2020 champ was the first in the new trend of faders taking down the coveted green jacket. DJ can show up anywhere at any time, but he’s done next to nothing since making the move across the divide and that has to be a worry. 

The American hasn’t been putting in the time in practice or competition, and his only official recorded results this season are two very mediocre finishes in LIV tour events. We can’t discount the former Masters’ champ, though, with his power and all-around ability likely to show up at Augusta.

Bryson DeChambeau has done nothing but fiddle around with his clubs ahead of the biggest golfing week in the calendar, so we have yet to see his true course-fit potential at Augusta, which rates over 9/10 in my model. 

‘The Scientist’ might be worth backing at a very big price now that the extra-long driver won’t be leaving him in places not seen before on live TV during Masters’ week. Perhaps being under the radar might suit Bryson who, in theory, should be able to obliterate Augusta with his long, right-to-left driving, and ability with the irons.

What about Cam Smith?

Cameron Smith is the outstanding candidate from the LIV side of things. I believe he is still a little sore from not being allowed to defend his Players Championship trophy, and he has a remarkable record around Augusta - three top-five finishes, which includes a runners-up medal, in his last handful of Augusta starts. 

The Aussie is the first golfer in the history of the Masters to shoot four rounds in the 60s, which he posted when he lost out to DJ. He has a smattering of form over the last few LIV events, though his most recent display was a little lacklustre and will have to be overlooked. In terms of course-fit, the man with the mohawk comes in at a high rating of 9.25 in my model.

So, can the LIV golfers win? In my opinion, no. I think the lack of match sharpness and elite level competition will prove too much. If anyone is to challenge the PGA Tour elite, it’s got to be Cam Smith, but even that looks a tough ask.