Exclusive: Tiger Woods’ former long-time golf coach Butch Harmon drills into LIV Golf ahead of The Masters, claiming “the competitiveness on LIV is just not the same” as the PGA Tour.

Harmon, who helped Woods win eight major titles while working together between 1993 and 2002, addressed a number of the latest big talking points in a sit-down interview with GolfMagic ahead of The Masters.

Woods’ ex golf instructor does not believe his former pupil Dustin Johnson’s is 100 percent committed to the game any more.

You can read Harmon’s controversial take on the state of Johnson’s game here.

The 81-year-old also defended Rory McIlroy’s caddie Harry Diamond, before telling us his boss should be the clear favourite to win the Green Jacket next week – and not Scottie Scheffler.

Harmon then came down hard on LIV Golf, claiming the Saudi-bankrolled operation is just not in the same league as the PGA Tour.

“The competitiveness on LIV is just not the same,” Harmon told GolfMagic.

“It’s like a big corporate outing. It’s more of a fun environment but that’s not going to be at Augusta National.”

Harmon did at least admit he enjoys watching a number of LIV Golf players compete on the league, especially England’s Tyrrell Hatton.

“Having said that, the guys that play on LIV have come over and played well in the major championships,” continued Harmon.

“DeChambeau has won two U.S. Open. Brooks Koepka has played well. Joaquin Niemann is remarkably consistent.

“Tyrrell Hatton plays well over there. I love Tyrrell Hatton by the way, he’s my favourite. I love how hard he is on himself and he’s not afraid to express it. I know a lot of people don’t like the language but I think he’s a hell of a player and damn he’s fun to watch.”

As for the current divide in the professional game, Harmon admits: “It’s sad.”

Harmon added: “We want to see the best players playing every week. That’s all we want. They’ve got to figure out someway to get together.

“I don’t know what that way is as I’m not involved with any of that.

“I think it’s difficult for the LIV players to come and play in The Masters.

“Maybe not for Bryson and Brooks because they have won a bunch of majors, but for some of the other guys [it’s difficult].”

Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com