News
Why Mickelson could be in for a very awkward surprise at this week’s LIV Golf opener
The LIV Golf series has it plastered all over their publicity – “Golf, but louder” – and it could get very loud (or indeed, quiet) if Alan Shipnuck goes ahead with his promise to travel to the Centurion Club in a day or so.
The journalist and author was the man that broke the news of Phil Mickelson’s views on the original Saudi Golf League, reporting that Lefty was using the rebel tour as ‘leverage against the PGA Tour’. That, plus Mickelson’s view on his prospective employers – “scary motherf***ers” – ended badly, with the 51-year-old taking a hiatus from the game and going nowhere near Southern Hills to defend his PGA Championship last month.
- Related: The likely reason why some LIV players are resigning their PGA Tour membership and Mickelson has not
With stories of his fading relationship with caddie ‘Bones’ Mackay, along with gambling issues and much more, the association between player and writer would seem broken.
It might also be safe to assume that the rumpus caused within the group of investors and (the now) LIV Golf Series has meant they would hardly hold their arms wide to welcome Shipnuck at any of the three-round events. But he’s still going.
Shipnuck tweeted yesterday that, “the folks at LIV haven’t responded to my credentials request” and, of course, Twitter went a tad crazy with the replies.
Strangely, the folks at LIV haven’t responded to my credential request. But I’m still gonna fly to London, buy a ticket and cover the tournament. https://t.co/Wa8rFNYfTz
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) June 7, 2022
Many of the responses hinted at the prevalence of free tickets offered by many of the players on their social media feeds, with @darcyrossiter advising “Westwood25 for free tix, Alan. Or any players surname and 25 for that matter.”
Given the obvious circus that may surround his attendance, Shipnuck was also asked, “Why go and cover it? All that does is give them what they want, legitimacy and free publicity.”
Never short of a story for the Fire Pit Collective, the response was typically measured:
I have some misgivings but this is a monumental moment for the business of professional golf and it requires some scrutiny. https://t.co/qgWcoq0RZr
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) June 7, 2022
That’s it in a nutshell. Golfers golf, reporters report.
Should one reporter meet a certain golfer, though, it will definitely be golf. But louder.
More from the 19th Hole
- 86-year-old Gary Player shows off remarkable club head and ball speed numbers
- ‘Absolutely disgusting’ – LPGA pro blasts Augusta National for its role in major venue change
- ‘Get it out of my face, man!’ – Brooks Koepka snatches phone from fan during tense exchange
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Brandon
Jun 8, 2022 at 10:02 pm
Better bring like 10 bodyguards.
Tom Kay
Jun 8, 2022 at 7:05 pm
Phil looks like one of the villain’s in a John Wick movie.
Thomas
Jun 8, 2022 at 3:22 pm
Phil has signed more autographs for kids than any PGA player ever. Phil is still a fan favorite. Shupnick? He sounds like another sleazy reporter who never one anything. One thing Phil needs to cut out is the stupid gambling. Gambling is for r**eta*rds andf degenerates. On the plus side, Phil is not a serial adulterer like the PGA’s favorite.
Rick
Jun 8, 2022 at 4:36 pm
That was then. This is now. He obviously signed so many autographs for publicity. In fact he doesn’t give a rip about them.
Now he’s auditioning as a Hunter Biden body double.
Bob
Jun 8, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Phil has the Hunter Biden look going. It’s all making sense now.
PJ
Jun 8, 2022 at 5:21 pm
More like Steve Bannon.
geohogan
Jun 10, 2022 at 5:29 pm
or Jared Kushner; not yet bin laden. Phil wants sumathat Saudi cash at any cost.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/10/us/jared-kushner-saudi-investment-fund.html