Tuesday, May 12, 2026

CBS’ Masters Coverage Won’t Take Sides in PGA vs. LIV Feud

  • CBS won’t put its ‘head in the sand,’ says boss Sean McManus.
  • Nothing bigger than Masters, says analyst Trevor Immelman.
CBS Sports and the Masters
Rusty Jarrett/Augusta National/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

CBS Sports vows it will not play favorites in covering players from the competing PGA Tour and LIV Golf series during its coverage of next week’s 2023 Masters Tournament.

“The Masters Tournament and Augusta National is bigger than any player that has come before, any player that’s around now, and any player that will come in the years ahead,” said CBS’ Trevor Immelman, the 2008 champion who will call his first Masters as lead analyst with Jim Nantz. 

“What we are focused on is giving the tournament justice and crowning a great champion, putting a green jacket on a great champion that Sunday afternoon.”

Sean McManus, chairman of CBS Sports, promised that while the network won’t treat LIV players differently, it also won’t “cover up or hide” anything. 

This will be the first time PGA and LIV Golf rivals tee it up at Augusta National Golf Club with the coveted Green Jacket at stake.

Led by three-time winner Phil Mickelson (2010, 2006,2004), LIV boasts a number of former Masters champions, including:

  • Dustin Johnson (2020)
  • Patrick Reed (2018)
  • Sergio Garcia (2017)
  • Bubba Watson (2014, 2012)

The powerful Augusta National always wants to keep the focus on the players and the beauty of the grounds. 

As CBS director Sellers Shy said: “We’re not cheerleaders here. We just want to cover the golf tournament.” 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 11, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Scottie Scheffler walks to the the eleventh hole during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club.

PGA Championship Brings LIV and Prize Money Questions

The tournament begins Thursday outside of Philadelphia.
May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Josele Ballester celebrates a putt during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club.

LIV’s New Board Directors Also Take Over U.K. Positions

Eugene Davis and Jon Zinman joined LIV last month.

USGA’s Mike Whan on LIV Golf, Tiger Woods, and Golf’s Changing Future

The U.S. Open will be played June 18–21 at Shinnecock Hills.

Featured Today

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.
May 12, 2026

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL Red Zone.”
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
May 12, 2026

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 12, 2026

NFL Spotlights Legacy Networks As D.C. Streaming Criticism Mounts

Fox, NBC, and CBS each gained additional national broadcast windows.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesFeb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
May 12, 2026

How Tom Brady Won the Upfronts for Fox

Fox’s lead NFL analyst is also a corporate ambassador for the network.
May 12, 2026

ESPN Taps Chiefs-Broncos for ‘MNF’ Opener: Will Mahomes Play?

The star QB will be a major storyline in the high-profile game.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook runs against Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), left, and safety Brian Branch (32) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
May 11, 2026

Amazon to Open ‘TNF’ With Bills-Lions, Highmark Stadium Debut

‘TNF’ saw a 16% increase in viewership in 2025.