Mark SchlabachESPN Senior Writer5 Minute Read
Phil Mickelson confident LIV Golf roster will ‘continue to improve’
Phil Mickelson says he expects more players to join LIV Golf as the league becomes more established.
The LIV Golf League players had hoped for changes in the eligibility criteria for major championships, particularly the Masters. However, Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley stated in Australia that there are no plans to modify the criteria for the 2024 Masters, scheduled for April 11-14.
During the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Ridley said, “We stayed true to our qualification criteria last year and invited all eligible LIV golfers. While there are no changes anticipated for 2024, our qualifications remain dynamic, always adjusting to represent the world’s best players.”
It’s worth noting that the previous Masters had 18 players from the LIV Golf League, including champions Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, Charl Schwartzel, Sergio Garcia, and Bubba Watson, who have lifetime exemptions. Mickelson and Koepka both finished second behind Jon Rahm.
Before the recent LIV Golf League team championship, Mickelson expressed his desire for the four major tournaments to provide opportunities for LIV Golf members. Mickelson and other league members are disappointed that the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) does not recognize the breakaway circuit for ranking points.
Mickelson suggested that the major championships should create slots to enable LIV players to compete without relying on the OWGR. However, this move could undermine the TV contracts and PGA Tour revenue. As it stands, only Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka are currently eligible for the 2024 Masters.
Talor Gooch, despite winning the individual season-long points title and three events, is ranked 214th in the world because LIV Golf events don’t earn world-ranking points. Consequently, Gooch is presently ineligible for any major tournament in 2024.
Ridley confirmed that the Masters will invite the NCAA individual champion and winners of events from the PGA Tour’s fall schedule in 2024. The Open is also reviewing its exemptions for the tournament at Royal Troon Golf Club, scheduled for July 18-21, with the details to be released next year.
As for the LPGA, Annika Sorenstam, a 10-time major championship winner, has become a member of Augusta National Golf Club. Ridley expressed his excitement about Sorenstam and acknowledged the club’s commitment to diversity.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
