Bubba Watson claims Scheffler’s 2024 earnings are “because of the changes” LIV Golf has “started putting in place”

Bubba Watson recently made waves with his controversial declarations ahead of the LIV Golf Greenbrier tournament. Watson credited LIV Golf with reshaping the golf landscape, claiming it has been instrumental in Scottie Scheffler’s monumental earnings on the PGA Tour.

However, his statements have sparked a significant backlash, with many questioning the logic behind his assertions.

As the LIV Golf Greenbrier tournament kicks off from August 16 to August 18, Bubba Watson took center stage with a series of declarations about the impact of the Saudi-backed league. During a press conference, Watson reflected on the 100th round of LIV Golf and the profound changes he believes the league has brought to the sport.

Bubba Watson’s statements went beyond just celebrating LIV Golf’s accomplishments. He drew comparisons between LIV Golf’s rise and the 1968 PGA Tour breakaway spearheaded by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

He emphasized that being part of this new era was an honor, likening it to being on the “right side of history.” Bubba Watson also suggested that LIV Golf’s influence directly contributed to Scottie Scheffler’s significant earnings on the PGA Tour in recent years.

Bubba Watson’s Controversial Statements

When asked about LIV Golf’s impact, Bubba Watson was effusive in his praise for the breakaway league:

“We’ve changed the face of golf,” he declared. “This is exciting times. When I think about going through the motions of deciding I wanted to come to LIV, I thought about the 10-year plan, on paper, what the goals were, and it’s met my expectations. It’s been better than that.”

Bubba Watson continued, drawing a historical parallel to the formation of the PGA Tour in the mid-20th century:

“I know years ago when the PGA Tour made that same decision, and when I’m saying years ago, we’re talking ‘50s, ‘40s, whatever year Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and them made the other tour, so we’re a part of that.”

But it was Bubba Watson’s comments about Scheffler that caught the most attention:

“Scottie Scheffler has made a lot of money this year because of the changes that we’ve started putting in place. I believe that golf is actually growing in the right spot, and I think team golf is here to stay.”

The claim that LIV Golf played a role in Scheffler’s earnings didn’t sit well with many. Fans took to social media to voice their disbelief, with one user tweeting:

“Bubba Watson’s take on Scheffler is just ridiculous. Scottie is a phenomenal player, and his success is due to his own skills, not LIV Golf.”

Watson’s comments about LIV Golf and Scottie Scheffler have fueled ongoing debates about the league’s influence on the sport. While LIV Golf has undeniably shaken up the golf world, opinions are divided on whether its impact has been as transformative as Watson claims.

For many, Scheffler’s success is a testament to his individual prowess rather than any external factors. As one fan put it:

“Scheffler has worked hard for everything he’s earned. Bubba can try to take credit for LIV Golf all he wants, but Scottie’s accomplishments are his own.”

While Bubba Watson remains a vocal supporter of LIV Golf, his performance on the course has been mixed. Watson’s 2024 season in the league has seen its ups and downs, with no standout victories. He started the year with a T21 finish at LIV Golf Mayakoba and followed up with a T15 at LIV Golf Las Vegas. However, he struggled at LIV Golf Jeddah, finishing T46, and continued to face challenges in subsequent events, including a T45 at LIV Golf Singapore and a 51st place finish at LIV Golf Houston.

Despite these setbacks, Watson remains optimistic about the future of LIV Golf and his place within it. He captains the RangeGoats team, and his focus is on helping his team compete and win in the league’s unique team-based format.

As the LIV Golf Greenbrier tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on both Watson’s performance and the league’s continued evolution. Watson’s declarations may have stirred controversy, but they also highlight the ongoing tension between traditional golf and the new wave brought by LIV Golf.