Fred Couples excited to compete with “nutbag” Phil Mickelson at 2023 The Masters’ Tournament

Phil Mickelson looks forward to The Masters as top golfers start gathering on the greens prior event.

Fred Couples excited to compete with “nutbag” Phil Mickelson at 2023 The Masters’ Tournament

Fred Couples and Phil Mickelson [Image Credit: Bunkered/Insider]

Fans are ready for some excitement at The Masters, but it seems like the golfers are providing them with enough content even before the event. Just a while back, Fred Couples stamped Phil Mickelson with the “nutbag” tag while also admitting that he’ll be looking forward to competing against the 3x Masters Champion. 

Mickelson is back at Augusta for his fourth green jacket, the first time since 2021. Despite getting slapped with the “nutbag” tag, Mickelson stated how The Masters’ Tournament is his “favorite week”. Following the Augusta National decision in 2022, LIV players were allowed participation in the event, regardless of their rift.

YouTube video

Top golfers from both sides will be present for the tournament, including GOAT Tiger Woods. Mickelson stated how fun it is to be back with those top golfers, standing on the same greens. Following Other than calling out Mickelson, Couples also ridiculed Sergio Garcia as “a clown”.

FS Video

Related: Rickie Fowler and other Big Names miss the 2023 Masters

Phil Mickelson excited to be at The Masters

Phil Mickelson [Image Credit: SBNation]
Phil Mickelson [Image Credit: SBNation]

Fred Couples stated, “I would love to be paired with Phil”. “I mean, he’s one of the best players that ever played. He loves this place as much as I do, and if we did (get paired), we’d look at each other on the first hole and we’d have a good time.”

He stated that he had no issues with any LIV Golfers, but with them thrashing the PGA Tour harshly, “I have no problem with any of them, just please do not bash a Tour that I have 43 years invested in. 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.” 

“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.”

“Go play and have a good time. Brooks Koepka I love, Dustin Johnson absolutely love. I’m not good enough to be paired with those guys. They’re going to play with those who are probably going to win this thing. But I have no problem with anyone on the LIV Tour. I really don’t.”

Likewise, 6x Major champion, Phil Mickelson stated he is also excited for his “favorite week” after he missed the cut at both U.S. Open and The Open Championship. He said, “It’s great”. “It’s fun to be back. Everyone has been wonderful. “Everybody here is so classy. Gosh, it’s fun to be here.“

Mickelson noted that being at The Masters and being able to experience the place is so much fun. He talked about how he dreamed of competing in this event and now being able to stand there despite his LIV joining, he is thrilled to do so. He said he wishes he’ll be part of this event even in the future.

“That’s the coolest thing about having won here is that you’re a part of this event and part of the history. It’s a really, really special thing.” After dropping his rank to 425th in OWGR, it’s been a line of tough events for the 52-year-old. He is thrilled to bring out his veteran magic on the greens, in hopes of securing the title.

In case you missed:

Paige Spiranac reveals Top 5 Masters moments

Cameron Smith slams golf war ‘rubbish’ after warm welcome at Masters practice