Phil Mickelson makes huge OWGR claim

Phil Mickelson claims the OWGR is reluctant to give world ranking points to LIV Golf League players because it might jeopardise the PGA Tour’s current TV deal.  

Mickelson, who slipped to a career low of 318th on the rankings earlier this week, shared his suspicions with former CBS commentator and golf coach Peter Kostis during a back and forth on Twitter. 

Kostis initiated the discussion when he asked what will become of the TV contract, sponsor contracts and purse sizes of non-designated events in 2024.  

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“All of these were negotiated with a different landscape,” he wrote. “Will sponsors and TV pay the same $ for what is perceived to be a lesser product?  

Question. What happens to the TV contracts, sponsor contracts and purse sizes of the non-designated events in 2024? All of these were negotiated with a different landscape. Will sponsors and TV pay the same $ for what is perceived to be a lesser product?

— Peter Kostis (@peterjkostis) March 2, 2023

In response, Mickelson wrote: “Peter, you probably already know this but the tv deal is based on quality of field bench marks based on OWGR to receive the full reported value. If they don’t hit them, the money gets reduced. I’m not sure if it’s cumulative for all events or a per event basis.” 

He added: “If LIV players were to receive points and the players were ranked in top 100, Tour would not come close to hitting these benchmarks and the tv deal would be SIGNIFICANTLY reduced. Explains why heads of OWGR don’t want to give points but whatever.”

Asked to substantiate his claims by another social media follower, Mickelson doubled-down.  

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“[This was] discussed by [PGA Tour commissioner, Jay] Monahan in the player meeting I attended in 2020 and confirmed by head of network when I was at dinner with them,” added the six-time major champion.  

The OWGR has yet to disclose its decision on the LIV Golf League’s application for ranking points.  

Last year, some of its player signed a joint letter to OWGR chairman Peter Dawson imploring him to give them points.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor