Tyrrell Hatton LIV Golf's lone bright spot in miserable Masters

LIV players struggle at Augusta as Hatton's strong finish provides rare positive for Saudi-backed circuit

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:14pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion of a golfer's swing, with the player's body and face abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.LIV Golf's struggles at the Masters expose the league's ongoing challenges in producing elite talent capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters was a disappointing showing for players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, with only Tyrrell Hatton providing a bright spot by finishing 10-under par and briefly challenging for the lead on the back nine. Other LIV players like Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm, and Dustin Johnson struggled, raising questions about the quality of golf on the rival circuit. The lack of impact from LIV players at the year's first major has increased concerns about whether those who signed lucrative contracts have lost the drive to remain among the world's elite players.

Why it matters

The Masters performance of LIV Golf players is significant because it highlights the ongoing debate about the quality of golf on the Saudi-backed circuit and whether it can produce players capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport. As LIV continues to lure top talent away from the PGA Tour, the lack of success at majors like the Masters raises questions about the long-term viability and competitiveness of the new league.

The details

Tyrrell Hatton was the lone LIV player to make a significant impact at the 2026 Masters, posting a final-round 66 to finish at 10-under par and briefly challenge for the lead on the back nine. Meanwhile, other LIV players like Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm, and Dustin Johnson struggled, with Garcia breaking his driver in frustration and Rahm and Johnson failing to contend. The other five LIV players in the field all missed the cut, including pre-tournament favorite Bryson DeChambeau. The poor performance of LIV players has increased questions about the quality of golf on the rival circuit and whether those who signed lucrative contracts have lost the drive to remain among the world's elite.

  • On Sunday, Hatton posted his second 66 of the week to finish at 10-under par.
  • On Saturday, the third round saw the lowest scoring in Masters history, but LIV players Hatton and Dustin Johnson went in reverse, with Hatton posting even par and Johnson shooting a 75.
  • On Friday, Bryson DeChambeau crashed out of the tournament with a triple bogey on his final hole.

The players

Tyrrell Hatton

The top-finishing LIV Golf player at the 2026 Masters, posting a final-round 66 to finish at 10-under par and briefly challenge for the lead on the back nine.

Sergio Garcia

The 2017 Masters champion, who broke his driver in frustration and finished at 8-over par, ahead of only two players who made the cut.

Jon Rahm

The 2023 Masters champion, who posted a final-round 68 to finish at 1-over par but was never in contention after an opening-round 78.

Dustin Johnson

The two-time major champion, who has struggled since joining LIV Golf in 2022, posting a 75 on Saturday and finishing at even par for the tournament.

Charl Schwartzel

The 2011 Masters champion, who finished last among the 54 players who made the cut, posting 77-75 over the weekend to finish at 12-over par.

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What they’re saying

“None. Golf is golf. Same as any other golf tournament in the world. I came in with the same expectations I come into any other major, any other tournament. Not any higher or lower.”

— Jon Rahm

“It's another tournament that you're at. You go on to the next hole, and you try your best. Wherever you play, whatever the tournament is, you're always giving it your best, and you're trying to prepare in a way to give yourself a chance to win the tournament. I don't think anyone that's playing this week would change anything. That would be my guess. But yeah, every tournament you play, you're trying to win. This week is no different in that sense.”

— Tyrrell Hatton

What’s next

As LIV Golf continues to lure top talent away from the PGA Tour, the performance of its players at major championships like the Masters will be closely watched. The lack of success at this year's event has raised questions about the quality of golf on the Saudi-backed circuit, and whether those who have signed lucrative contracts have lost the drive to compete at the highest levels. The decisions of players like Bryson DeChambeau, whose LIV contract expires at the end of the year, will be crucial in determining the long-term viability and competitiveness of the new league.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters was a disappointing showing for players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, with only Tyrrell Hatton providing a bright spot. The poor performance of LIV players at the year's first major has increased concerns about the quality of golf on the rival circuit and whether those who signed lucrative contracts have lost the drive to remain among the world's elite players. As LIV continues to lure top talent away from the PGA Tour, the lack of success at majors like the Masters raises questions about the long-term viability and competitiveness of the new league.