Masters news as Joe Rogan angered golf fans by making audacious UFC claim
As Rory McIlroy prepares to defend his Masters crown from a field of 90 other players, Joe Rogan is likely to be thinking that he could probably win the tournament himself.On Thursday, LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau will officially get proceedings underway when he becomes the first player to tee off at 10:07 a.m. ET, signaling the start of what is sure to be a remarkable four days of golf.In the lead-up to tomorrow's opening round, DeChambeau opened up about his rivalry with the reigning champion, saying he respects McIlroy but wants to beat the Northern Irishman every time they compete on the golf course.READ MORE: Caddie noticed Phil Mickelson's behavior toward Masters staff in parking lotREAD MORE: Phil Mickelson misses out on Masters chance to prove Jack Nicklaus wrong after brutal commentsThe American is, of course, just one of several players ready to strip McIlroy of his Green Jacket this week, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm two other notable stars ready to knock the 36-year-old off his Augusta perch.Regardless of what happens, though, Rogan is likely to have a certain opinion on it. The popular podcaster previously stated that playing golf is "super easy" compared to competing in MMA, sparking debate among golf fans on social media.While Rogan admitted that golf requires more skill, he confidently stated that it cannot be compared to the mental and physical demands of MMA."What I’m saying is it's super difficult to kick someone, it's super easy to hit a golf ball," Rogan said on an episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience' when debating on the matter with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe.In large part, Rogan's comments didn't go down well, with golfers and the sport’s followers defending the complexity and skill required to impress on the course, rather than the ability to just simply "hit a golf ball.""A big part of the game, Joe, is where you hit the ball," one person argued online, prompting others to question Rogan's understanding of golf, given his bold declaration dismissed the difference between simply hitting a ball and playing golf at a high level.While there is absolute truth to Rogan's remarks about the mental and physical demands of MMA, his comparison to golf fails to appreciate the sport's unique and demanding nature, which often requires players to spend thousands of hours honing their craft just to reach the professional level.That extends to those who are already competing at the top of their game, with the likes of McIlroy and Scheffler needing to practice all-year round to ensure they continue to pick up the biggest trophies golf has to offer.One that McIlroy no longer has to worry about winning is, of course, the Masters, although his next mission is to defend his title. Speaking this week, the PGA Tour star showed a hunger to bolster his major tally, yet it is his newfound patience and self-assurance that really make him a formidable threat to his competitors."I feel so much more relaxed. I know that I'm going to be coming back here for a lot of years, going to enjoy the perks that the champions get here," he said. "It doesn't make me any less motivated to go out there and play well and try to win the tournament, but yeah, just more relaxed about it all."
