Collin Morikawa, the reigning Open champion, wants the LIV Series to be shoved out of the spotlight to allow two weeks of golf in the cradle of the game to take centre stage.
The $8 million Genesis Scottish Open was getting underway at The Renaissance in East Lothian today amid the on-going civil war involving the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series and the DP World and PGA Tours.
The championship was sprinkled with extra controversy at the start of the week when a trio of LIV Golf rebels, led by Ryder Cup talisman Ian Poulter, won a legal case against a ban from the event and were added back into the field.
“Let it go,” said Morikawa, when asked about an on-going saga which has consumed the golfing world.
“I shouldn't have to worry about it. You guys (the media) shouldn't have to worry about it. You know, we are here with an amazing field, 14 of the 15 best players in the world; that should be a story line.
“And then for next week, I could say a mouthful of me being defending champion, of it being the 150th Open at St Andrews. And Tiger Woods is playing again too. I mean, does it get better than that? It's tough. It's tough to beat that.”
Morikawa stated earlier in the year that majors, not money, were his driving force but the 25-year-old has still had to deal with rumours suggesting he too was set to jump ship and join the cash-soaked LIV Golf Series.
“It’s frustrating,” he added of the fevered speculation. “I’m 25-years-old, I've done this (been on tour) for three years. All I've dreamt about is the PGA Tour, winning majors and and playing against the best in the world. It (the LIV rumours) is annoying.”
Menawhile, Poulter arrived in East Lothian yesterday and, despite being painted as one of the villains in this golfing saga, the Englishman insists he has not felt any animosity from the public or fellow professionals.
“I haven’t felt any issues at all.” Poulter said. “It’s business, right? So business and personal are two completely different things.”
