In a recent press conference, Phil Mickelson revealed that he has been receiving calls from players across various tours expressing their interest in joining LIV Golf. Following revised agreements with the PGA Tour, Mickelson believes that the door is now open for PGA Tour players to make the move, anticipating a substantial improvement in LIV’s roster for the upcoming season.
Originally, there was a provision preventing LIV from recruiting players from other tours, but it was removed after pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. With at least three open spots expected next season and the allure of significant payouts, joining LIV has become an attractive prospect for many golfers.
Mickelson emphasizes the positive atmosphere within LIV, highlighting the enjoyment of the team aspect, camaraderie, and the global scope of playing golf. However, the challenge lies in the limited spots available, as the demand from players exceeds the openings.
Despite the appeal, there are drawbacks to joining the Saudi-backed league. The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) rejected LIV Golf’s application for world-ranking points, citing concerns about the league being a “closed shop.” The current format of LIV, with a fixed roster for the entire season, is a point of contention for the OWGR, which prefers a higher turnover rate.
Notable players like Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Paul Casey, and Ian Poulter enjoy lucrative contracts that secure their places on the roster, contributing to a lower turnover rate compared to other tours. LIV is set to add three more players through its promotions tournament, aiming to address some of these concerns.
The OWGR’s rejection means LIV players can only earn world ranking points through major tournaments. This limitation affects players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, who are not ranked in the top 100. Mickelson advocates for creating alternate ways for LIV players to participate in majors without relying solely on the OWGR, suggesting it could benefit both the majors and LIV Golf.
