Masters: Augusta winner for LIV would spark group celebration by 18th green, says Greg Norman

Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka warmed up for the Masters by winning a LIV Golf event on Sunday in Orlando

Players from the breakaway LIV Golf Tour are planning a group celebration behind the 18th green at Augusta if one of them wins the Masters on Sunday.

Eighteen players from the Saudi Arabian-funded league are competing in the first men's major of the year.

They include former Masters winners Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson plus Open champion Cameron Smith.

LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman says has "goosebumps" thinking about one of his tour's players winning.

"They are saying no matter who wins, no matter who is in that position, we are going to be there," Australian Norman, who was runner-up at the Masters three times, told NewsCorp.

"They are all going to be there on the 18th green. When you walk up 18, your caddie hugs you then you see your wife or your mum and dad. Now, to have those 17 other guys there, that's the spirit we want."

While the PGA Tour has banned players who joined the LIV Golf circuit, all eligible players are still entitled to play in the four majors.

As many as six former Masters champions will play in the 2023 tournament at Augusta.

As well as Johnson and three-time winner Mickelson, two-time champion Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel will tee it up in Thursday's opening round.

Norman believes many fans want to see a LIV golfer vying with the likes of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm for the Green Jacket.

"I compliment the Masters on letting the players play because now they have got the best field and they are actually now the true Super Bowl," he said.

"If I'm the Masters I would want on Sunday DJ or Brooks [Koepka] or Cam, any of those guys, against Rory and Jon Rahm. Can you imagine what the TV ratings would be like?

"It's what the people want. It's what TV wants. The ratings will be far higher than any other ratings if you've got Rory playing any one of our top guys."

LIV Golf hosted its third event last week, with four-time major champion Brooks Koepka holding off Sebastian Munoz to win in Orlando by one shot on 15 under par.

Norman said he made sure the green speeds had been quickened at Orange County National to help his players prepare for the notoriously slick Masters putting surfaces.

Even although heavy rain is forecast at Augusta this week, which could slow up the greens, Norman says the softer conditions and a record length of 7,545 yards would still "suit a couple of my boys" referencing longer hitters like Johnson and Koepka, who finished joint second in 2019, as well as ex-US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.

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