Key Takeaways:
– Sixteen LIV golfers secured invitations to the 2024 PGA Championship.
– Despite this achievement, some critics expressed surprise at the relatively low number of LIV invites compared to previous years.
– Two-time PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson suggests the PGA Championship could face potential backlash for the limited invitations extended to LIV golfers.
– While the LIV lineup includes reigning PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, the field of competition is fierce, with stars like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy stealing the spotlight.
– PGA has granted special exemptions such as Talor Gooch, who holds a low world ranking but has displayed exceptional performance in LIV golf.
In the upcoming 2024 PGA Championship set to commence on May 16-19 at the renowned Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, sixteen LIV golfers received invitations to compete. LIV Golf welcomed this development, however, critics noted a decrease in the number of invitations compared to the 18 received in 2023.
Interestingly, a deleted tweet from Phil Mickelson, a two-time PGA champion, has added fuel to these discussions. Mickelson suggested PGA’s tendency to overlook LIV golfers could have future repercussions, with the league’s growing roster of talented players.
LIV Golf Amidst The PGA Juggernauts
The LIV invitees include Brooks Koepka, the current PGA champion, and the world’s fifth-ranked golfer, Jon Rahm. However, the fame and talent of competing golfers such as Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler may eclipse LIV’s presence.
Woods, a four-time PGA champion, triumphed on this course back in 2000, making him a golfer of interest to viewers. Besides, Spieth is nearing a career Grand Slam, while McIlroy, despite a disappointing show at the Master’s, continues to maintain his clout. Given the strength of the PGA Championship lineup, a below-par performance from LIV golfers might not significantly impact the tournament’s viewership or sponsorship appeal.
Overlooking World Rankings in PGA
The PGA Championship enjoys a reputation for featuring the world’s top-ranked golfers. But in an interesting twist, LIV’s Talor Gooch, ranking a low 644 globally, received a special exemption to play. Such decisions suggest the PGA may be willing to overlook the Official World Golf Rankings on certain occasions.
Since joining LIV in 2022, Gooch demonstrated impressive gameplay, even winning the player of the year in 2023. The PGA’s decision can thus be interpreted as a recognition of his individual performance, despite LIV events not being included in OWGR methodology.
Prospects for LIV Players in PGA Championship
Despite uncertainties, LIV golfers managed to maintain notable presence at major events. A good example is Patrick Reed, who thanks to a special exemption, didn’t break his streak of consecutive majors since 2014.
Yet, this situation reveals some issues with the process. The dependence on multiple lists, special invitations, and hidden messages from both sides hasn’t been beneficial. Instead, it hints at a gap between the two entities that needs to be carefully bridged. As the managing director of championship for the PGA of America, Kerry Haigh, stated in addressing the issue, viable players should be invited irrespective of their OWGR.
Finally, while the LIV community celebrates the achievement of sixteen players receiving exemptions, it will be interesting to see how these events unfold and the possible implications they could herald for the relationship between LIV and PGA.