Last year's Masters' Ahed revolved around the defending champions and how he made the Earth-smashing move a few months ago.
John Rahm went to Liv Golf. It was a decision he felt was the best for himself and his family. He achieved success on a Saudi Arabia-backed circuit, finishing in the top 10 in all LIV golf events he played. However, a serious criticism of LIV is that the tournament does not receive official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Therefore, LIV players have a more difficult time to lead it to a major championship field.
Still, that doesn't apply to Rahm. His victory at Augusta National in 2023 secured him a spot for Masters for life. He has also been exempt from four majors for quite some time. Participating in LIV, unlike many others, did not affect Rahm's ability to play in the four biggest tournaments of the year. However, it affected the frequency of competing with world No. 1 Scotty Scheffler and other top players, who decided to stay on the PGA Tour.
Schaeffler spoke with Rahm about this reality on Wednesday.
“One of the great joys of my career is playing against John. He's an incredible player and an incredible talent. I was definitely surprised to see him leave last year.
“We've had great fights over the years. We've had some great fights in the Ryder Cup. I think we've cut most of the matches in the Ryder Cup in half. John and I might be dead. I'll definitely compete against him.
One of these opportunities is the Masters of the year, when Schaeffler arrives as the defending champion.
Rahm is also there along with 10 other LIV players.
However, in an attempt to try this division, the sport remains divided despite a tour meeting with Liv's beneficiary and US President, Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
That led Schaeffler to drop some difficult truths about Liv Golf on Wednesday, allowing golf fans to be involved in this intensive period in the history of the sport.
“I definitely miss the competition,” Schaeffler said.
“I'm missing out – they've got pretty good players on the tour. I think there are some of the best players in the world on the PGA Tour. Our field and the depth of competition we have still abandon the best competition that's in the game of golf. So I'm still playing on the tour. I love the competition. I'm heading towards one of the people who did what they wanted to do.
“If you want to understand why the game of golf isn't coming back together, ask them, and we'll know when the game will come back together this week, no matter where you are.
Who knows how things will unfold in the coming weeks and months? But at least the best, the best, will be reunited at Augusta National, the best course in the world for the world's biggest tournament. Golf fans can at least be pleased about it.
Jack Mirco is a golf staff writer who plays SB Nation. Follow him with x @jack_milko.
