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Rickie Fowler gives surprising update amid heavy links to LIV Golf

Published

2 years ago

on

As players prepared for the third major of the season, fears were that those returning from last week’s inaugural LIV event would attract all the attention.

However, there seems to have been some genuine respect shown by those involved with the publicity-seeking rebel tour and the world of golf looks forward to four days of tough competition at Brookline.

This does not, of course, stop rumor and speculation as who may be the next player to jump ship and Sky Sports caught up with one of those names continually banded about – Rickie Fowler.

Formerly ranked world number seven, Fowler is at Brookline as second alternate, and was asked on Tuesday what life was like being in that position.

The 33-year-old conceded, “Can be a little out of place, being an alternate..playing nine today, play nine tomorrow…we’ll see what happens”

Was he hoping someone puts a toe out of place so he can grab a starting slot?

“I don’t wish bad on anyone” said Fowler. “But, you know, if two slots open up…..we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

Fowler, former world amateur number one and winner of five PGA Tour and two European tour titles was then asked the obvious.

He gave his view on being mentioned as a candidate for the “huge topic in golf at the moment”, after several sources previously reported that the 33-year-old was set to sign with the LIV Golf Series…and it contradicted those reports.

“Unfortunately, there has been a lot of false accusations. I haven’t made any sort of decisions.”

Having been inside the world’s top-50 for 10 consecutive years from 2010, and in the top-100 over the last couple of seasons, he clearly has an affection for the PGA Tour, but admits there is a need to change.

“I believe the PGA Tour is the best place to play, has been and certainly is. I would love to see it be that way in the future but some things do need to evolve, change. So that’s kind of where I’m at”

After admitting the PGA Tour is becoming “more and more divided”, he mentions that, “with LIV, it is a very different format.”

Fowler would like to see them “co-exist”, and expands on that.

“I mean, you have traditional, 72 holes of golf, and then then 54 with the team aspect, so, yeah, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and enjoy playing on tour and see what happens.”

Having been runner-up in the 2014 US open at Pinehurst, and with further second place finishes finishes at The Masters and Open Championship, as well as 3rd at the PGA Championship, Fowler has excellent back-form in majors.

However, with only four top-10 finishes in his last couple of seasons of regular play, he has drifted to a place just inside the world’s top 150.

It looks all but assured that Rickie won’t get the chance to tee it up this week, as he remains second alternate just hours away from the opening day’s action at Brookline.

You can catch the full interview here.

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19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

35 mins ago

on

May 8, 2024

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On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

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PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

39 mins ago

on

May 8, 2024

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This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

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Report: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’

Published

19 hours ago

on

May 7, 2024

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On Tuesday, the full field for the PGA Championship at Valhalla was released. In some surprising news, a handful of LIV players were granted exemptions including Dean Burmester, Patrick Reed, Lucas Herbert and Adrian Meronk.

The most surprising omission was Louis Oosthuizen. The South African has been one of the most consistent players on LIV this season, and also won two DP World Tour events in the fall.

According to the AP’s Doug Ferguson, Oosthuizen was actually given an invitation, but declined due to “personal commitments”.

In total, there will be 16 LIV golfers teeing it up next week at Valhalla.

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