Rebel LIV Golf players warned they could face US Open ban
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Rebel LIV Golf players warned they could face US Open ban
Tournament organisers considered taking action this year following the inaugural event of the Saudi-backed series
Wahn explains decision not to ban LIV Golf players this year
“We [the USGA] definitely feel responsibility to this game, and we feel a responsibility to the competitors that play it. We did sit down and have a long conversation about a week before the US Open. Did where somebody else played and what promoter they played it with disqualify them for this event? We decided no on that, with all the awareness that not everyone would agree with that decision.
“Whether we all like it or not, in February 30 guys played for the same promoter in Saudi Arabia with an acceptable release from the PGA Tour, and for years the DP World Tour has had an event there, same promoter. I’m sure there are players that both came through our qualifying and maybe teeing it up that are sponsored by those different – so we asked ourselves the question: one week before, if you play somewhere where you’re not approved to play, would you be disqualified for the 2022 US Open?
“We said no. And we also had to ask the question, if you’re going to put that kind of clause in, who gets in? It becomes a pretty slippery slope to try to apply that across 9,300 people.”
LIV Golf players warned they could face US Open ban
Phil Mickelson and other rebel players to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf have been warned that they could face bans from future US Opens due to their participation in the breakaway series.
The PGA Tour have suspended Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and the 15 other players to tee up at the Centurion Club last week, while stars such as Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed are also set to be cast away after signing up.
The US Open has not taken action against the LIV Golf players ahead of the tournament this week, but United States Golf Association chief executive Mike Whan has said that that could change in future years.
‘Could I foresee a day?’ Yeah, I could foresee a day,” Whan told a press conference. “Do I know what that day looks like? No, I don’t. To be honest with you, what we’re talking about was different two years ago, and it was different two months ago than it is today.”
“We’ve been doing this for 127 years, so I think the three of us and everybody else that we work with need to take a long-term view of this and see where these things go so we’re not going to be a kneejerk reaction to what we do.
“But the question was: ‘Could you envision a day where it would be harder for some folks doing different things to get into a US Open?’ I could. Will that be true? I don’t know but I can definitely foresee that day.”
Rahm knows perfection not necessary for major success
Jon Rahm admitted last season’s US Open victory at Torrey Pines shows that he does not need perfect golf at Brookline this week to defend his title. Rahm birdied the final two holes on his way to a closing 67 last year but the Spanish star has realised his performance was not as strong as he originally thought.
“I remember watching my highlights of Sunday last year, and I thought I played one of the best rounds of my life, and I kept thinking I cannot believe how many fairway bunkers I hit that day, how many greens I missed and how many putts I missed.
“You know, it’s golf, and that’s how it is. You truly don’t have to play perfect, and that’s I think the best lesson I can take from that.
“There’s no extra pressure (as defending champion). It’s pretty much the same as it’s always been with the different factor being that I’ve already won a major so I feel like a lot of the pressure I used to put on myself is not really there.
“I feel like I can enjoy it a little bit more and know that you don’t need to do anything special to get it done.”
Mickelson aiming for golf history amid criticism
Phil Mickelson arrived at the US Open and was immediately on the back foot as he expressed his “deepest sympathy” to the families of those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the wake of stinging criticism of his decision to join LIV Golf.
The six-time major winner has the chance to complete golf’s grand slam this week but it is the fallout of his involvement in the Saudi-backed series that has dominated the build up.
“That’s going to be a challenge, right. It’s the most difficult test in golf,” said Mickelson, who shot 10 over par to finish in a tie for 33rd last week in his first event since February.
“I think it was important for me to have a little bit of competitive golf last week and identify some of the areas of weakness. It was one of the worst putting tournaments I’ve had in years.
On the reception he expects to receive at Brookline, Mickelson said of the Boston crowd: “I think that their excitement and energy is what creates such a great atmosphere, so whether it’s positive or negative towards me directly, I think it’s going to provide an incredible atmosphere to hold this championship.
“I think it’s going to be a great event, and the people here have a lot to do with that.”
McIlroy in confident mood ahead of US Open
McIlroy gets his opening round underway at 12:40pm and the World No 3 arrives at Brookline in confident form following his victory at the Canadian Open last weekend.
“It certainly puts a pep in your step. It gives you a lot of confidence,” McIlroy, who is the last player (in 2014) to win on the PGA Tour and claim a major the following week, said of his victory in Ontario.
“Going into last week, even coming off Memorial where I didn’t have my best week, I still knew my game was there. I still knew that I was playing well but I think it was the fashion in which I won last week that gave me the most pride.
“I got a lead early in the back nine. Lost that lead. Was tied with two holes to go, and then I showed some really good resilience and birdied the last two holes to get the job done.
“I did the same thing in 2019 going into the US Open at Pebble Beach and played pretty well there. I didn’t play well enough to live with Gary (Woodland) that week, but I feel everything is certainly trending in the right direction, and I’m happy with where my game is at.”
How to watch the US Open
The action will be shown on Sky Sports, with both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf carrying the coverage. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
How to watch the US Open on TV and online
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament
US Open tips
Matt Fitzpatrick – 18/1: Leading the English charge is Fitzpatrick, who is on an upward trajectory in 2022 that has seen an impressive T14 at the Masters followed up by his best-ever major finish of T5 at last month’s US Open. In addition to being in the form of his life, the Sheffield native has history at Brookline as not only one of the few players in the field to play at the course since its redesign but also a champion at the venue, having won the 2013 US Amateur Championship here. His ability to avoid bogeys is a key trait at any US Open and he feels ready to step into elite company.
US Open tips
Xander Schauffele – 14/1: His consistency at the majors in general, but the US Open specifically, is remarkable. The California native has never failed to place in his US Open career – with an incredible record that reads 5-6-3-5-7 – and he thrives on the tougher test this tournament presents, so an each-way return at least feels almost guaranteed. He got back in the winner’s circle at the Zurich Classic in April, finished a solid 13th at the US PGA and, with no discernible weakness in his game, he feels like a major winner in waiting.
US Open tips
By Luke Baker
Jon Rahm – 11/1: The defending champion looks to have a live chance to emulate Brooks Koepka in 2018 by winning back-to-back US Opens. This tournament is generally won by a brilliant driver and Rahm might just be the best in the world with that club in his hand – his blend of power and precision seeing him lead the total driving charts (a combination of fairways and distance) and sit top of the PGA Tour rankings for strokes-gained off-the-tee. He hits a huge amount of greens and although he’s only had modest results this season, he’s a proven major performer and an incredible competitor with the ability to bounce back.
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