Mickelson Claims PGA Tour is Blocking LIV Golf Players from World Ranking Points
Phil Mickelson, known for his outspoken nature, has accused the PGA Tour of preventing LIV Golf players from earning world ranking points. In a press conference ahead of LIV Golf’s season-ending tournament in Miami, Mickelson expressed certainty that more PGA Tour players would be interested in joining LIV Golf in the future.
Mickelson insisted that the PGA Tour is motivated by its commitment to meet goals in its network TV contracts, which is why they are attempting to block LIV Golf players from receiving world ranking points. However, the Official World Golf Ranking committee denied LIV Golf’s request to acquire these points last week.
Mickelson suggested that major tournaments should create additional slots in their fields specifically for players from LIV Golf, without using the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system. This, according to Mickelson, would protect the majors’ product while allowing LIV Golf players to compete. He believed that if points were awarded to LIV Golf players, it would undermine the PGA Tour’s TV contract and revenue.
LIV Golf events feature 48 players, and the tour employs a relegation system that relegates the bottom four players in the points standings at the end of the season. Peter Dawson, chairman of the OWGR, previously stated in a letter to LIV CEO Greg Norman that the main reason for denying LIV Golf world ranking points was the lack of pathways to the league and insufficient player turnover due to the relegation system. Dawson described LIV Golf as a closed shop but mentioned the possibility of LIV resubmitting their application.
Mickelson rejected Dawson’s theory and asserted that LIV Golf should focus on improving their own product, rather than worrying about the decisions made by the OWGR. He emphasized the importance of making LIV Golf more exciting, appealing, and globally accessible. While Mickelson was certain that the PGA Tour was involved in the decision to exclude LIV players from the ranking system, the PGA Tour denied such claims, stating that they do not have any agreements with networks that could lead to refunds if ranking minimums are not met.
Mickelson’s comments shed light on the ongoing tensions between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. While LIV Golf aims to revolutionize the game and offer a fresh format, the PGA Tour seems determined to protect its existing structure and contractual obligations. This clash of interests raises questions about the future of LIV Golf and whether more players will ultimately make the move to join the new tour.
