Fred Couples stands by Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia insults

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Former Masters champion Fred Couples didn't back down from comments he made last month about LIV Golf League players who have criticized the PGA Tour after leaving.

Speaking to reporters after a practice round ahead of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday, Couples said he doesn't dislike any of the players who have defected to the LIV Golf League, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, but he doesn't like some of the comments they've made.

«I have no problem with any of them — just please do not bash a tour that I have 43 years invested in,» Couples said. «It bothers the hell out of me. They don't bother me. They really don't. They're golfers. I'm a golfer. I respect them all.»

During a PGA Tour Champions breakfast last month in Newport Beach, California, Couples referred to three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson as a «nutbag» and Spain's Sergio Garcia as a «clown.»

«If you're giving Phil Mickelson $200 million at age 52 to shoot 74 and 75, God bless you,» Couples said at the breakfast.

«On my [radio] show I've told everyone, 'Sergio is one of the top 10 players I've ever seen hit a ball, but if he's going to make comments about the tour that I play, I'm going to make a comment back, and if it's offensive I apologize, but they're on another tour,'» Couples said Monday. «Go play and have a good time.»

Mickelson and Garcia are among six past Masters champions who are now competing in the LIV Golf League; Dustin Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson are the others. They're all expected to attend a champions dinner hosted by defending champion Scottie Scheffler on Tuesday night.

«You know, I'm not expecting anything different,» Couples said.