Garcia and Westwood under attack
is huge money. When I’m in bed I sometimes think, ‘Why don’t you just shut up and take the cash?’
“But one day my kids will ask me how we had such a comfortable life and I’m going to have to answer them.”
The schism that has opened up between the rebels aligned to Greg Norman’s lucrative breakaway league and the DP World and PGA Tour loyalists was laid bare when Garcia bade a spiteful farewell at the Wells Fargo event in Maryland, claiming he “cannot wait” to jump ship.
With Westwood issuing a strong defence of the project’s Saudi backers at The Belfry, their stance has prompted outrage among rank and file pros like Lorenzo-Vera.
“If you listen to them it feels like it’s been 20 very hard years for them and finally they have got out of that s***,” added the Frenchman.
“Before this new tour everybody was happy. Nobody was complaining, they were taking a ton of cash.
“I’ve played in Saudi and I don’t feel comfortable there.
“I’m very lost and a bit angry. I know with the way I’m speaking I’m disturbing a few players but I don’t care – I feel more comfortable in my shoes than if I was in theirs.
“I guess tensions will come. That is going to be interesting.”
Garcia, set to play at the inaugural LIV Series event at St Albans on June 9, confirmed his intention to join the rebels after an incorrect ruling that he had taken too long to find his ball during the first round in Maryland.
“I can’t wait to leave this tour. I can’t wait to get out of here,” Garcia told a PGA Tour official.
“A couple more weeks and I won’t have to deal with you any more.”
Meanwhile, British Masters host Danny Willett shot a 65 to move within three shots of halfway leader Hurly Long of Germany.