Australian golf star Min Woo Lee expects a “normal” atmosphere at The Masters as players from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are set to face off at the first major of 2023.
Lee is one of five Aussies set to take on the fairways of the fabled Augusta course, with reigning Open champion and LIV star Cameron Smith one of them.
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Much has been made about how the stars competing on the rebel tour will be treated by the PGA Tour pros, but the noise, at least for now, has been relatively cordial.
Lee shares that same stance and plans to largely focus on himself rather than allow the simmering tensions infiltrate his mindset before play begins.
“I think everyone has the job to win that week,” Lee said.
“Everyone’s out there to beat each other. I think it’s going to be fine.
“I saw some Twitter stuff about Bubba and Brooks and Patrick. I think it’s just going to be normal.
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“I mean, we’re all competitive and all trying to have fun but also win, so there’s no need for more drama, especially for me.
“I’m just going to go out there and enjoy my time out there and play golf. I think it’s going to be fine.”
The Masters decided to keep their doors open for the LIV stars, with Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley confirming in December last year the qualification criteria would not change.
It means LIV’s six former Masters winners — Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia and Charl Schwartzel — will all have the chance to get one over their PGA Tour rivals.
The Masters’ entry criteria also extends to those who have won a major within the last five years, allowing the likes of Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Smith to compete in the famous event.
