Jon Rahm expects the Masters champions dinner to be "tense" amid golf's ongoing civil war over the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, which has tempted away many of the sport's top stars with lucrative deals.
Former Masters winners Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson are among those who have signed with LIV and been suspended by the PGA Tour as a result.
However, LIV golfers will be allowed to compete in this year's Masters after Augusta National organisers announced in December they plan to "invite those eligible under our current criteria to compete in the 2023 Masters Tournament".
"It's probably only funny to me, but I think the Masters champions dinner's going to be a little tense compared to how it's been in the past," Rahm said. "So I keep thinking about it because I wish I could be there and just be able to see how things work out.
"Too bad the U.S. Open doesn't have one of those. But, yeah, I think it's an exciting year.
"Obviously, we're all curious about how it's going to work out, but we're all excited to see what this year's going to, how it's going to unfold and how it's going to play out for everybody."
Rahm also gave his thoughts on whether LIV golfers should be permitted to play in the Ryder Cup, stating he hopes that whatever decision is made is a joint one as it would not "be smart to have one team allowing LIV players and one not".
He added: "There's some people that are going to have to make some tough choices, right? A little bit of that is out of my reach. I hope the PGA of America and European Tour make a decision together.
"Even if they decide not to on that side, I think it's going to give an opportunity for a lot of great young players to show up and have the chance in Europe. It's just going to be an opportunity for all of them."
