Phil Mickelson believes LIV Golf will continue applying pressure to golf’s major championships to open up qualifying pathways for players on the breakaway league by signing more elite talents.
Phil Mickelson is of the opinion that the major championships will eventually succumb to the pressure exerted by LIV Golf as the renegade tour attracts more high-profile players.
LIV players are unable to qualify for the majors based on their performances in the Saudi Arabia-backed tour, as it is not recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking. Consequently, these players have seen a decline in their rankings, forcing renowned golfers like Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson DeChambeau to rely on their previous successes at the majors to secure a spot in the prestigious tournaments.
While the aforementioned trio can rest assured knowing they have secured a place at the PGA Championship at Valhalla later this month due to their major wins in the past five years, talented golfers such as Sergio Garcia, Talor Gooch, Louis Oosthuizen, and Abraham Ancer will unfortunately not be participating in the Kentucky event, despite their undeniable skill and impressive track record.
Mickelson, one of the most vocal players in LIV since becoming a founding member in 2022, is confident that qualifying opportunities will soon become available for LIV players as the league actively pursues top talent.
Perhaps a few of the LIV players may not be missed, but what if none of the LIV players participated?” Mickelson mentioned in a post on X that has since been removed, discussing the absence of certain star players from the tour at Valhalla.
Will they be missed? What happens in the upcoming year when more talented players come on board? Or even in the following year? Eventually, they will have to take responsibility and respond to sponsors and television.
Mickelson’s belief that LIV will keep attracting top players is well-supported. The league has already achieved success by signing European Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton before the start of its third season. Commissioner Greg Norman is optimistic about securing more of the PGA Tour’s biggest names in the coming years.
In an interview with Bloomberg before this weekend’s event in Singapore, which was won by Brooks Koepka, Norman expressed a confident outlook on the future of the tour.
The CEO of LIV confidently stated, “I will respond on behalf of LIV,” when questioned about the company’s longevity. “My superior assured me that LIV is here to stay. It will continue to thrive long after his passing. He is quite young, you know.
“He has tasked me with maintaining focus and ensuring the success of LIV as an independent entity. He has poured billions of dollars into this venture. We are already witnessing the beginnings of a profitable return on investment. Therefore, our dedication remains unwavering.”
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