Phil Mickelson‘s chances for the 2023 Ryder Cup were already hanging by a thread but now it appears they are as good as over in light of Rory McIlroy‘s recent outburst against him. Let’s find out what made the Northern Irish golfer dismiss Mickelson’s chances completely.

Recent media reports said that Mickelson tried to bet $400,000 on the US Ryder Cup team in 2012 while he was a part of it. The news created quite a stir and it has further damaged the golfer’s reputation. McIlroy also looked displeased when this came to his attention in a presser, and criticized Lefty in a sarcastic way, subtly suggesting that it was the end of the road for Mickelson as far as this year’s Ryder Cup was concerned. Let’s dive into the story.   

Has McIlroy put an end to all speculation in regard to Mickelson?

Phil Mickelson betrayed his former league (PGA Tour) and defected to LIV Golf last year. Shortly after this, Lefty and other LIV defectors were all barred from many prestigious international events like Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup by the PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

The LIV loyalists, however, were allowed to play in PGA tournaments where they had exemption and could qualify for the Ryder Cup if they could break into the six qualifying spots. The other way they could break into the 12-member team was if US captain Zach Johnson picked them as one of his six picks. The latter scenario gave LIV golfers some hope.

Now, as far as Phil Mickelson’s performance is concerned this year, his chances were already remote, given the fact that he missed the cut in the US Open and Open Championship as well as the PGA Championship. Thus by bagging no PGA Tour trophies this season, he diminished his chances to be a part of the Ryder Cup. And in addition, he is a part of the rival league. So, while there are other better-ranked PGA players, Johnson is unlikely to pick a player whose current Ryder Cup ranking is 36th and on top of that belongs to a rival league.

After the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where McIlroy shot four birdies and one eagle, he shared his thoughts in a press conference about the matter at hand. The Irishman said, “At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it.” If there were any remote hopes for Mickelson before this, we can now safely say they are not there anymore. Now the question comes: who else from LIV Golf is still in contention for the 2023 Ryder Cup? 

Which LIV defectors are on hold for the 2023 Ryder Cup?

As the Ryder Cup is nearing, quite evidently the players are trying their best to woo Zach Johnson with their performance. While LIV Golf offers no point, the rebel players through good performances can catch the eye of Johnson for the six picks where the captain will use his discretion, of course, if they can’t qualify for the six automatic spots. Let’s look at some of the LIV players who will hope to play in the Ryder Cup, either on qualification or being part of the six picks. 

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Brooks Koepka — Koepka currently sits in fourth place in the Ryder Cup standings. He won PGA Championship earlier this year and that largely has played a role in his current ranking. If he goes out of the top-six, then he will have to rely on Johnson.

Dustin Johnson — Johnson stands at 39 in the US team Ryder Cup standings presently. In the US Open, he stood at T10. He totally relies on Johnson now.

Bryson DeChambeau — DeChambeau, the LIV loyalist showcased a remarkable groundbreaking final round in the Greenbrier event by shooting 13 successful birdies. He went on to win the event. In the Ryder Cup rankings, this incredible golfer sits in the 50th position as of today. He too needs helps from Johnson.

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