🏌🏻 Rory's Mistake at Masters

Plus: LIV Golf's representation at The Masters, and more

January 10, 2024

Good morning. The Masters is three months away, but the build-up has already begun - find out which LIV Golfers have qualified for the tournament so far.

Rory McIlroy opened up about his worst mistake at 2023 Masters, and take a peak at where Tiger Woods’ spends his fortune.

That, and a tip on how you can master bunker shots, in today's edition of Golf Reporter.

So, make yourself comfortable and get ready to explore everything golf.

⛳ This day in history: On this date in both 1915 and 1942, the World Wars caused the ruling bodies of golf in Great Britain and Canada (in 1915) and the US Golf Association (in 1942) to cancel their golf schedules as conflicts raged. Regular play wouldn't resume until the wars ended.

ALBATROS
Masters 2024: The LIV Golfers That Qualified

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Golf Monthly

10 LIV Golf players are currently eligible to play at this year's Masters. The circuit’s inability to offer Official World Golf Ranking points to its players has significantly brought down the number from last season (18).

Let us take a look how these players have secured their places.

Phil Mickelson: Mickelson is a three-time Masters Champion. Former Masters Champions are guaranteed a spot at The Masters for the rest of their lives.

John Rahm: The defending Masters Champion, like Mickelson, is guaranteed a spot for life. There were several other ways Rahm would have qualified regardless, namely his US Open title win three years ago, a T2 finish at the 2023 Open and world ranking of third at the end of last year.

Dustin Johnson: Johnson claimed the Green Jacket in 2020, making it the last time he needed to worry about how to reach Augusta National.

Brooks Koepka: Koepka guaranteed his place at the 2024 Masters through his second PGA Championship triumph five years ago.

Cameron Smith: Smith won the 2022 Players Championship, which sealed his participation at the Masters. He is guaranteed a spot at least till 2027 thanks to his victory at the 150th Open in 2022.

TWEET
Worth Mentioning

EAGLE
Rory McIlroy Reveals His 'Worst Mistake' at Masters 2023

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Golf.com

Rory McIlroy revealed that looking at the leaderboard during the 2023 Masters was his biggest mistake, causing him to feel pressured and affecting his performance. McIlroy missed the cut at The Masters last year and took a hiatus from the sport.

" I shot even-par the first day, which is an average enough first day, but it wasn’t terrible. And I was on the first green on the second morning, and I saw Brooks Koepka was coming up the eighth and there’s a big white scoreboard there, by the eighth green, and I saw that he had already got to 10-under and I’m even-par, so I’m — but it’s only 19 holes into the tournament, but I’m there thinking, jeez, I’m 10 behind already, like I have to start pressing, when actually what’s worked best for me is I can’t control what he does, I can’t control the leaderboard and the worst thing I did that day was look at the leaderboard."

- Rory McIlroy

McIlroy's candid reflection on the impact of pressure and the mistakes he made at the 2023 Masters highlights the ongoing mental and emotional challenges faced by professional golfers.

LOCKER ROOM
What else is making news

Tiger Woods: TaylorMade will reportedly be Tiger Woods' new apparel sponsor following his split with Nike. TaylorMade already sponsors Tiger's driver, irons, wedges and fairway woods.

LPGA: World No.1 Lilia Vu and other top LPGA stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko have confirmed their participation in the season-opener Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. It will take place from January 18-21 at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida. The event offers a total purse of $1.5 million.

Rory McIlroy: Rory McIlroy is set to begin his season at the Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour. He will tee-off Round 1 at 12:14 am (ET) on Thursday.

New Equipment: TaylorMade has unveiled its groundbreaking lineup of Qi10 drivers, fairway woods, rescues. They will be available for purchase in stores from February 2.

BIRDIE
Tiger Woods' Lavish Lifestyle

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Business Insider

Tiger Woods is a billionaire - he has made $1.4 billion since turning pro in 1996.

Here's a sneak peek into Tiger's fabulous life.

Where Does Tiger's Wealth Come From?

More than $122 million of Tiger Woods' total fortune comes from on-course winnings. Besides that, Tiger earned $500 million from his biggest sponsor, Nike until their separation.

What Are Tiger Woods' Major Assets?

Tiger owns a 10-acre property in Jupiter, Florida and it is valued at more than $55 million. It has a pitch-and-putt golf course, as well as a private dock.

Tiger owns a 155-feet megayatch named Privacy, which is valued at $25 million. It is currently docked at North Palm Beach, Florida.

Tiger also owns a Gulfstream G550 private jet, worth about $54 million.

Where Does Tiger Woods Spend His Time When Not Playing?

Tiger goes spearfishing with his friends, attends games of his favorite sports teams or spends time with his family and two border collies, Lola and Bugs during the off-season.

When he is doing none of those, he either works out or plays video games at home.

DRIVING RANGE
How To Dominate Deep Bunker Shots

In this video, Parker McLachlin gives you a lesson on hitting the perfect bunker shots, so that you can become an expert playing from the sand.