DORAL, Fla. – Phil Mickelson promises another exodus, this time of golfers from the PGA Tour joining LIV Golf.
Mickelson confirmed that he had been receiving “calls” from players all over the world asking about the Saudi-backed League. The LIV’s season-ending team title will be held at Trump National Doral this week, marking the final of the 14 events that make up the league’s second season.
“Do I believe that?” Mickelson replied Wednesday that he does not expect another player movement. “When players see LIV, they are eager to join. Everyone here is enjoying themselves and the teamwork aspect. The camaraderie and enjoyment of each other, as well as the ability to bring golf worldwide and enjoy all that comes along with playing on this tour.
There are a lot players who want to join. How many spots are there? “There are more players who want to attend than there are spots.”
Mickelson’s promises are similar to what was said a year earlier when it was suggested that LIV would add more PGA Tour stars after its first season. The biggest additions to LIV’s roster during the offseason were Thomas Pieters Mito Pereira Sebastian Munoz Brendan Steele.
LIV CEO Greg Norman and Commissioner Greg Norman stated six months ago that “there’s a huge interest” from players who want to join LIV.
A year ago, rumors circulated that names like Patrick Cantlay and Jason Day were interested in LIV. All remained in the PGA Tour.
TGL is building up its roster, and that pool has likely been reduced even further. Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and other golfers are backing the league. TGL has added Cantlay and Wyndham, another PGA Tour player rumored as having an interest in LIV.
Four players will be relegated, and there are 20 other players in a vulnerable position. Four players will be relegated from the standings: Chase Koepka (fourth in points), Jed Morgan (third in points), James Piot (fourth) and Sihwan KIM. They must then play through a promotion event to get back into the league, which leaves four openings. Also, players who finish 25-44 will enter the transfer market. They are not guaranteed to return to their teams in 2023.
Mickelson’s HyFlyers include Piot. Mickelson stated Wednesday that he would not have a place for Piot to return to the HyFlyers team, even if he played his way back to LIV.
Mickelson stated that “the spots will probably be filled before the qualifying tournament,” by players who are free agents, PGA Tour and DP World Tour tour players.
Another wildcard is the uncertainty surrounding the framework agreement between PGA Tour and LIV, Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
In the agreement, the parties, including DP World Tour were given a deadline of December 31 to complete the deal, which is expected to combine their golf-related assets. Bloomberg News reported that the investigation by the U.S. Justice Department into the deal could extend the deadline.
Mickelson was asked if he believed that the possibility of a merger between two tours would prevent PGA Tour members from joining LIV.
Mickelson stated, “I believe the merger talks allows for it.” “It opens up the door, yes.”
The Blue Monster’s team championship will be held over three days, with match play on Friday and Saturday, and stroke play on Sunday. All 12 teams will compete to determine the team winner.
For Friday’s four events, the pairings are: Louis Oosthuizen’s Stinger against Kevin Na’s Iron Heats; Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs against Henrik Stenson’s Majesticks; Cameron Smith’s Ripper against Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks; and Brooke Koepka’s Smash against Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers.
The top four teams — Dustin Johnson’s 4 Aces; Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers; Joaquin Niemann’s Torque GC and Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats – receive a free entry into the semifinals on Saturday.
