The Talor Gooch saga over the USGA exemptions has clouded over the golf community. In trailblazing form, the amendment in qualifying rules out the golfer’s chances of making it to the famed U.S. Open.
Fortunately, he has received countless supporters from his colleagues, with veteran golfer Phil Mickelson voicing his concerns actively. He has already been at the helm of a keyboard battle before, but that wasn’t enough to stop the six-time major championship winner from having a go again.
Phil Mickelson vouches for fellow LIV golfer Talor Gooch
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Having been at the receiving end of countless criticism waves before, Mickelson knows a thing or two about handling strong opinions. While he is eligible to participate in all major championships for the next couple of years, the golfer has been an active advocate for other LIV colleagues.
So it was no surprise to see Mickelson hopping on to his favorite social media space once Gooch’s impending doom came to light. The veteran exchanged Twitter jabs before when he came to face off against a former PGA Tour pro-turned-sports reporter.
But this time, he voiced his opinion against USGA Chief Executive Officer Mike Whan, who stated that the committee behind the rankings allotment wasn’t in a hurry. “I’m proud of the fact that the world rankings, we’re not just rushing to figure this out, because it is different,” he said, which resulted in a sharp reply from Mickelson.
Hey Mike,what about changing a rule and making it retroactive to exclude someone who has already qualified? How can Talor Gooch not take that personal? It’s a direct attack on him and his career. How does it benefit the usga or US open? It doesn’t. Just a d!*k move.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 5, 2023
Why does Talor Gooch feel victimized?
Having joined the LIV Golf Series last year, Gooch was unable to save his PGA Tour membership. Yet, his world ranking allowed him to participate in the Tour Championship in August last year, eligibility that allows a golfer to play at the U.S. Open.
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Talor qualified last September
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 4, 2023
Yet, the USGA amended the criteria this year slyly by changing the wording from “qualified” for the Tour Championship to “eligible.” With Gooch unable to participate last year due to his PGA Tour restrictions, the move snatches away his definite qualification to the major championship.
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Do you think Gooch has unlawfully been thrown out of the major championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.