Phil Mickelson recently raised questions about the future of golf in a since-deleted social media post. He wondered what the game might look like if the best players were not allowed to compete in the majors. Padraig Harrington, a three-time major winner, supported Mickelson’s sentiment in a way by expressing that he missed playing with some players who had moved on to the rival, Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. Harrington mentioned that players like Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed were missed at the recent PGA Championship. Reflecting on his experience on the European Tour, Harrington suggested that having two strong circuits, similar to the current situation with LIV and the PGA, might actually be beneficial for the sport.
Harrington emphasized the importance of finding a solution that can bridge the gap between the two tours and LIV to move forward in a way that benefits the game as a whole. He acknowledged the positive aspect of rivalries in sport but stressed the need for a resolution between the competing tours. The former professional golfer highlighted the complexity of the current situation, with ongoing changes in the golf scene and the evolving presence of LIV. Harrington pointed out the need to prevent LIV from poaching top players from the PGA Tour without any reciprocal benefits. He also mentioned the absence of players who have moved to LIV, emphasizing that their presence was missed at recent events.
In response to a post on X referencing LIV players earning more from prize money but not receiving world ranking points, Mickelson weighed in on the discussion. He raised the hypothetical scenario of no LIV players being allowed to compete in majors and questioned the potential impact on the sport. Mickelson’s post hinted at the potential consequences for sponsors and television if top players were absent from major tournaments. The LIV tour filed with the Official World Golf Ranking board in July 2022, but their bid was rejected in October of the same year. This led CEO Greg Norman to criticize the credibility and integrity of the OWGR system.
The conversation around the future of golf and the coexistence of competing tours like LIV and the PGA continues to evolve. Mickelson and Harrington’s comments shed light on the complexities of the current situation and the need for a solution that benefits all stakeholders in the sport. The debate about player participation, sponsorships, and the overall direction of professional golf remains ongoing. Harrington’s perspective on the potential benefits of having two strong circuits offers a fresh angle on the discussion, highlighting the nuances of the situation. As the golf landscape continues to change, finding common ground between the tours and addressing the concerns raised by players and officials will be crucial for the sport’s evolution.
