The LIV Golf Invitational Series has divided so much opinion in the golf world, even leading to tempestuous outbursts by players involved.
If you didn’t know, DP World Tour pro Eddie Pepperell has been one of the most prominent voices speaking out against it LIV.
In an interview with The Times in June, the 31-year-old two-time European Tour winner blasted those who he saw as just “serving themselves”.
He pointed out that while he rooted for Sergio Garcia as a player, it was “hard to root for Sergio, the man”.
Pepperell feared for the future of the European Tour, where iconic players like Seve Ballesteros paved the way for the next generation.
An interesting aspect of the LIV situation for Pepperell was the fact that one of his good friends, Laurie Canter, had signed up.
Per the report, the two were in Catalunya in April when Canter informed him of his decision to join up with Greg Norman et al.
Pepperell wasn’t so sure about what to think. He didn’t know what the new series was going to be.
Still, apparently he was pleased for his friend. At the time, Canter’s partner was pregnant.
Speaking at the time, Pepperell told David Walsh: “Let’s say the worst comes to the worst and in five years the European Tour no longer exists as it is today and LIV Golf has grown into something bigger and there’s 100 players out of work because of that.
“There will be accusations thrown at these players, Laurie included, that they helped put these guys out of work. I don’t think I would feel very good about that. I don’t know if they’ve considered this.”
He also added: “I know that Laurie is sensitive to this because it’s guys like him who are at risk here. I don’t think Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter give as*** and they don’t need to care, they’ re going to be done with the game in three or four years.
“Greg Norman doesn’t give a crap, he can sail off into the sunset on a yacht. There’s no risk for Greg Norman. He’s done.”
Fast-forward to August 2022 and the two players were paired together for the first two rounds of the Czech Masters on the DP World Tour at Albatross Golf Resort, Prague.
And judging by this banter on social media, it appears the two still think highly of each other.
See below:
Have to say, I still love Eddie F***ing Pepperell.
— Laurie Canter (@LaurieCanter) August 19, 2022
*never leave your phone unattended folks*
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) August 19, 2022
Enjoyable two days batting out there with the guys, especially @LaurieCanter. His driving is still majestic. Nice weekend ahead pic.twitter.com/jZeqJz9QaT
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) August 19, 2022
Canter’s post was a reference to Pepperell’s hilarious video he posted earlier in the week where he took a shot at LIV Golf and their contracts.