Phil Mickelson explains LIV rejection with stern four-point explanation and PGA Tour dig.

LIV Golf were dealt a huge blow after once again being rejected by the Official World Golf Rankings on Tuesday, and now star man Phil Mickelson has had his say

Phil Mickelson took aim at the PGA Tour when explaining why LIV Golf saw their application to the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) rejected.

The OWGR confirmed on Tuesday that it had decided to deny the breakaway league’s request for ranking points, dealing LIV a significant setback. The breakaway circuit has been holding events without giving out points since it was founded in June 2022, which has caused its participating members to fall in the rankings.

One of those is Mickelson, who currently finds himself outside the top 100 in 110th, and this is only set to get worse following the Saudi league’s latest rejection.

On the back of the OWGR update earlier this week, the ever-bullish Mickelson took to social media to have his say on the matter, and outlined four points as to why they were turned down, including financial and ‘leverage’ implications for the breakaway league’s main rival, the PGA Tour. His comments came in response to former Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who laid the blame solely on LIV Golf for failing to adapt to OWGR criteria.

Mickelson stated on Twitter (X): “Trevor, LIV was NEVER going to get points. Why? In order for them to receive all of their money, the PGA Tour’s television contract is based on owgr standards. 3) If LIV won, they would have less negotiating power.

4) Tour has borrowed against the TV deal, which is the last but not least. They will immediately receive a capital call if they don’t reach their benchmarks and receive all of their television revenue (from CBS). You don’t trust me? Sean McManus, please. Fans were divided over Mickelson’s claims, with one telling the LIV star to “stop whining” after his four-point post.

Unsurprisingly the six-time major champion was quick to respond, admitting he ‘didn’t care’ if LIV were ever awarded ranking points or not. “Stating facts isn’t whining and I don’t care if LIV ever gets points,” he added.

“This is move 6 in a long game of chess. You won’t believe moves 32-37. That’s when it gets REALLY good.” On the back of Tuesday’s rejection, the LIV setup were quick to hit back, taking aim at the legitimacy of the rankings without the consistent inclusion of its players.

“OWGR’s sole goal is to rank the world’s top players,” read the statement. The communication of today makes it clear that it can no longer accomplish that goal. No matter where in the world a player plays golf, a ranking that does not fairly represent all competitors denies golf’s fans, players, and other stakeholders the objective basis necessary to properly recognize the best player performances in the world.

Additionally, it denies some traditional tournaments access to the strongest fields. There is currently no accurate or universal scoring or ranking system in professional golf. As long as the best player performances are not acknowledged, there is no benefit for fans or players from a lack of trust or clarity.