'It's kind of banded us together' - Talor Gooch feels negativity towards LIV Golf has spurred players on at The Open

Talor Gooch feels the negativity towards LIV Golf at this week’s Open Championship has galvanised the players and brought them together. LIV Golf has driven a wedge through the sport, with a host of players joining the Saudi-backed venture — some for huge signing bonuses. Ad/> The PGA Tour has suspended those who made the move without withdrawing their membership, Gooch among them.

The OpenCalcavecchia slips on Swilcan Bridge, snubbed by wife on 18th after final round2 HOURS AGO The DP World Tour is following suit, although a legal challenge from Ian Poulter led to a temporary lifting of the ban. Phil Mickelson was asked not to attend the Champions Dinner on account of his association with LIV, while Greg Norman who is the face of the new venture was not invited for the Celebration of Champions despite being a two-time Open champion. Mickelson, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood took part in testy exchanges with the media on Thursday, and Gooch says it has united the LIV players.

Open Championship Updates LIVE 'It's just a joke' — Matt Fitzpatrick slams slow play at The Open “Everybody, it feels like, is against us, and that's okay,” Gooch, who shot 69 on Friday to move to seven-under for the tournament, said. “Like you said, it's kind of banded us together, I think. «It's obviously cool for me to see other guys that are out there playing well.

We've caught a lot of flack for what we've done.» Gooch confirmed that his plan was to only play one LIV event, but that his hand was forced to make the move permanent when the PGA Tour issued suspensions. The 30-year-old was successful in the team element in the second LIV event, after which he said it was on a par with Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups. «I haven't played a Ryder Cup or