LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson has never been shy to voice his opinions. He did just that on social media Monday morning in a long rant blasting the Official World Golf Ranking.
The OWGR is largely used to determine the best golfers in the world. However, one criticism of it by some is that LIV players don’t receive points in the current system.
It has been a debate about whether or not LIV players should receive points. The debate was reopened by a LIV Golf fan on Twitter, who claimed that the OWGR should adjust to LIV’s unique 54-hole format and 48-man fields.
LIV shouldn't have to adjust for the OWGR.
The OWGR should have to adjust for LIV.
50% of the world's top golfers play on LIV and it's the OWGR's responsibility to adequately rank the world's top golfers.
— LIV Golf Nation (@LIVGolfNation) April 29, 2023
Former PGA Tour Colt Knost, who largely seems to believe that LIV players should not receive points, offered his opinion on the matter.
Serious question. Y’all are so upset about the OWGR, if you knew the criteria when you’re starting a tour why wouldn’t you just meet it?
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) May 1, 2023
This prompted Mickelson to offer his input, saying that it is the “OWGR’s job” to rank all of the players in the world, including LIV players.
“Colt. It is not our job. It is the owgr’s job to rank ALL the players in the world. Maybe they can do THEIR job and figure it out like they do for multiple tours with hundreds of players not even close to as good. But that would hurt the PGA’s revenue from CBS so the leaders won’t.”
Colt. It is not our job. It is the owgr’s job to rank ALL the players in the world. Maybe they can do THEIR job and figure it out like they do for multiple tours with hundreds of players not even close to as good.But that would hurt the PGA’s revenue from CBS so the leaders won’t
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 1, 2023
He then went on to say that he “doesn’t care” about OWGR points, but called out the “collusion” he believes is taking place between the PGA Tour and the OWGR.
“Respectfully I don’t need OWGR points nor do I care about them for myself. I’m in 3 majors for the next 13+ years and all four majors through 2025. It’s about doing what’s right and calling out the collusion that’s taking place behind closed doors to help JM get all his tv money.”
Respectfully,I don’t need OWGR points nor do I care about them for myself. I’m in 3 majors for the next 13+ years and all four majors through 2025. It’s about doing what’s right and calling out the collusion that’s taking place behind closed doors to help JM get all his tv money.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 1, 2023
Say what you will about LIV Golf, but it certainly made an impact at the 2023 Masters Tournament amongst the top players in the world on the PGA Tour. Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Patrick Reed all ended in the top five at Augusta.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.