Hours After Fellow LIV Golfer Faces a Major Setback, Phil Mickelson Raises a Strong ‘Collude With the Tour’ Accusation Against USGA

Professional golfer Phil Mickelson recently weighed in on the disappointment of Talor Gooch. Talor Gooch has limited options to compete in the upcoming US Open due to changes in exemption criteria by the USGA. Phil Mickelson, a five-time major champion, criticized the USGA for taking away Gooch’s exemption.

Gooch, who won the LIV Golf Adelaide, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation. With his rankings uncertain and LIV Golf not being rewarded with world ranking points, Gooch’s chances of participating in the US Open look slim.

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The USGA changing its exemption criteria for the upcoming US Open in June has left professional golfer Talor Gooch disappointed. The change has meant that Gooch, who has already qualified, will not be able to compete in the major event. Despite being optimistic about his rankings, the golfer’s hopes of participating in the US Open look slim.

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Flushing it golf recently tweeted, “Mike Whan: “I hope [Gooch] gets in but we’re not going to change our criteria and I’m not concerned about the quality of the U.S. Open field” They’re not going to “change criteria” to let Talor in, but are happy to do it to remove his exemption after it’s earned. Poor form, imo.”

To which Phil Mickelson replied, “Mike Whan recently changed the wording from “qualified” for the Tour championship to “eligible.” Thereby taking away Gooch’s exemption since he wasn’t eligible to play even though he had qualified. This doesn’t make the US open better in any way but does help collude with the Tour”

The struggle continues: Talor Gooch left out of US Open despite qualifying, hopes slim

The change in exemption criteria by the USGA has left Gooch with limited options. The golfer got a ban from all PGA Tour events after his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf last year. Gooch had expected to make it to the US Open, given his previous qualification for the Tour Championship. However, the USGA has made it clear that eligibility is a requirement to compete at the Los Angeles Country Club in June.

Gooch expressed his disappointment about the situation in an interview with The 73rd Hole Podcast. He had hoped that other majors would follow in the footsteps of The Masters and recognise his qualifications. However, with the change in exemption criteria, Gooch has only two options. One is holding onto his rankings or two, going through the sectional qualifying route. With his rankings uncertain and LIV Golf not being rewarded with world ranking points, Talor Gooch’s chances look slim.

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But, the golfer is still hopeful of making it to the US Open. Gooch is a talented golfer and won the LIV Golf Adelaide, his first victory in the Saudi circuit.