Phil Mickelson Dishes New Details About LIV Golf and the OWGR

Phil Mickelson took to X, formerly known as Twitter, this morning to dish the truth about LIV Golf and the Official World Golf Ranking, or OWGR.

Earlier this week, the OWGR announced that LIV Golf and its players would not qualify for world ranking points, stating that the decision was not a statement of loyalty but an issue of equality.

OWGR Chair Peter Dawson said in a statement:

“This decision not to make them eligible is not political. It is entirely technical. LIV players are self-evidently good enough to be ranked. They’re just not playing in a format where they can be ranked equitably with the other 24 tours and thousands of players trying to compete on them.”

The consequences that could arise from this are potentially monumental. Instead of LIV Golfers gaining points in the OWGR, which would help them qualify for Major Championships, they will now have to qualify for those tournaments through past wins or strong performances while they are still high enough in the ranking to do so.

It appears to be a major point of controversy moving forward because these players are good enough to play professional golf at a high level, and they are competitive against their PGA Tour adversaries. Brooks Koepka became the first LIV Golf player to win a Major at this past year’s PGA Championship.

However, there is still quite a bit of discussion to be had, especially in terms of the ranking system. While Trevor Immelman said on X that it was LIV’s responsibility to conform to the format of the ranking system, which includes 72 holes and a cut line (something LIV is void of with its 54-hole format and no cut), Phil Mickelson said it would have mattered.

“Trevor, LIV was NEVER going to get points.”

Trevor, LIV was NEVER going to get points. 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 points4) last but not least, Tour has…

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 12, 2023

Mickelson then went back and forth with Kyle Porter of CBS, stating the Majors are not only protecting their own interests but also the interests of the Tour:

You mean the events that bring in 100’s and 100’s of millions but pay the players 12-15?
They are protecting themselves as well.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 12, 2023

This is obviously a very polarizing issue, and there is much more to it than likely anyone not directly involved knows. Mickelson has continued to push the envelope in terms of what the public knows and how the Tour has navigated the entire scenario.

While LIV is a different format, these players could still be ranked in the OWGR through their play at the tournaments. It will be telling to see whether this holds any consequences for LIV-PGA Tour negotiations.

Cover Image via Britannica