SPRING FEVER

The talking point among LIV golfers about facing off against PGA Tour players at this year's Masters has been, essentially, "There's nothing to see here" except quality golf. But the intensity and temperature at Augusta National will almost certainly be more heated than that.

- JOSH SENS

HELLO, FRIENDS, AND WELCOME to the first Masters since the outbreak of golf ’s civil war.

No, Jim Nantz isn’t going to say that. But he might think it. A lot of people probably will.

How could the thought not cross a golf fan’s mind in advance of the game’s most prestigious invitational?

As they have each spring, since 1934—aside from a pause during World War II and an autumn one-off during the pandemic—the greatest players on the planet will soon gather at Augusta National Golf Club to compete for a green jacket and a place in history.

Same as always, except not exactly.

There’s no getting around it. A conflict has erupted in the

men’s professional game, and this year’s Masters field will feature foot soldiers from both sides of the fight.

Not that bad blood is apt to spill into the open. Not at Augusta. No grounds in golf require more decorum. Everyone is on their best behavior. The tumult of the world doesn’t tend to make it down Magnolia Lane.

Given the surrounds, it is unlikely that Patrick Reed will toss a tee in frustration at Rory McIlroy, as he did recently on a range in Dubai. In such a polite setting, Billy Horschel won’t be redeploying terms like “liar” and “hypocrite,” as he has in heated moments. Nor will Tiger Woods, as he rounds Amen Corner, be subpoenaed as a witness in any of the lawsuits flying back and forth. That has reportedly only happened at his Florida home.

“That’s one of the beautiful things about Augusta,” says 2016 Masters champ Danny Willett. “It’s a special tournament and a special atmosphere. You’re focused on one thing and one thing only. When we all get there, hopefully, all the nonsense goes away.”