Mickelson breaks silence on LIV Golf’s ranking blow in latest PGA Tour attack

PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf agree shock merger

Phil Mickelson has made a scathing attack on the PGA Tour after addressing LIV Golf’s failure to acquire Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) status. On Tuesday, LIV were dealt a huge blow after their application for ranking points was rejected by the OWGR.

In the aftermath, a number of LIV Golf players have been quick to hit back at the decision, including six-time major champion Mickelson. He took to Twitter (X) to have his say, hitting back at former Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who criticised LIV for failing to adapt to OWGR’s criteria.

Mickelson believes the decision to decline the breakaway league’s application is down to the circuit’s rivalry with the PGA Tour. “Trevor, LIV was NEVER going to get points,” the HyFlyers captain wrote. “Why? 1) it’s a monopoly run by all the governing bodies 2) the PGA Tour tv contract is based on owgr criteria for them to get all their money.

“3) they would lose leverage in negotiations if LIV got points 4) Last but not least, Tour has BORROWED against the tv deal! If they don’t hit their benchmarks and don’t get all their TV money (from CBS 🙂 they will have an immediate capital call. Don’t believe me? Ask Sean McManus.”

Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news

Don’t miss…
LIV Golf absolutely furious at ruling and release brutal statement after setback[LATEST]
LIV Golf rebels dealt major blow as bid rejected to leave future uncertain[LATEST]
Tiger Woods’ amazing response after golf phenom, 11, makes hole-in-one[LATEST]

Mickelson’s claim is dividing opinion among golf fans, with one calling on the former PGA champion to “stop whining” over LIV’s latest setback. In typical Mickelson fashion he quickly responded, and admitted he has no concerns about the Saudi-backed league not being handed world ranking points.

“Stating facts isn’t whining and I don’t care if LIV ever gets points,” the 53-year-old added. “This is move 6 in a long game of chess. You won’t believe moves 32-37. That’s when it gets REALLY good.”

The same could not be said for those in charge though, after the LIV setup hit out at the OWGR’s decision. In a statement, the breakaway league said: “OWGR’s sole objective is to rank the best players across the globe. Today’s communication makes clear that it can no longer deliver on that objective…

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“A ranking which fails to fairly represent all participants, irrespective of where in the world they play golf, robs fans, players, and all of golf’s stakeholders of the objective basis underpinning any accurate recognition of the world’s best player performances.

“It also robs some traditional tournaments of the best fields possible. Professional golf is now without a true or global scoring and ranking system. There is no benefit for fans or players from the lack of trust or clarity as long as the best player performances are not recognised.”

Source: Read Full Article