‘LIV Deserves Less Representation’: After Jon Rahm & Phil Mickelson’s Exit, Fans are Riled Up Against Greg Norman’s League

After the 36-hole cut, the 16-player roster of LIV at the PGA Championship has come down to 11, with Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, and many others missing the 1 under cutline. However, the conclusion of the third round saw two LIV pros, Bryson DeChambeau and Burmester, inside the top 9. Further, the ‘Scientist’ was at T4 and Burmester at 9th place.

A total of 16 LIV Golf pros graced the Valhalla Golf Club for the 2024 PGA Championship. Many of them did so due to the invitations they received from the PGA of America, while the rest qualified through previous major victories. The R&A sent only one special invite to Joaquin Niemann whereas the PGA of America sent out five invitations to the players, which included Niemann, Talor Gooch, Lucas Herbert, Dean Burmester, and David Puig.

But a dedicated page shared a hot take regarding some interesting statistics on X. They described that even though the defectors were 10% of the field, they still took 22% of the top 9, which was 220% better. The post even highlighted the fact that Burmester became a part of the field due to a last-minute invitation and has utilized the opportunity to the fullest, playing exceptionally. The tweet was aimed at arguing that LIV golfers needed better representation in majors since they cannot qualify through OWGR.

Not just at the PGA Championship, but even at the Masters, four LIV players were in the top 15. Now the tweet in question was received well by some golf fans, while others debated that the rebel league player didn’t deserve much more recognition than they already received.

Golf fans are riled up over LIV Golf Pros’ major representation!

After the third round, Dean Burmester and Lucas Herbert were at 9th and T16th, respectively. They had better finishes than PGA Tour stars like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, who found themselves at T19. A fan concluded that these two players finishing in the top 10 or better would impact the invitations for the upcoming two majors, the U.S. Open and The Open. They wrote, “We need Dean and/or Lucas to finish top 10. A last minute LIV invite finishing that high would be a total wake up call to the other majors.”

“3 out of top 37…8%. So you need a lot of upward movement from a lot of players otherwise you’re just going to be ridiculed for another embarrassing performance. By the time Bryson pulls a Bryson the LIV league will be a complete nonfactor in another major,” another X user stated.

Bryson DeChambeau outplayed all the LIV golfers. He shot a 64 and on the 72nd hole, sunk a birdie to tie for the lead at 20-under. However, when Xander Schauffele also birdied No. 18, the LIV player had to settle for a runner-up. It was an American’s ninth consecutive PGA Championship win.

But here’s something even more interesting. After DeChambeau and Schauffele were tied, the latter decided to win the PGA Championship by one shot- a birdie on the final hole. He is the first player to do so since Phil Mickelson in 2005. Michelson was seen doing this at Baltusrol.

Countering the opinion that LIV golfers deserved more representation in the majors, a fan concentrated on the downside of the leaderboard and LIV players. They highlighted how only three golfers were there in the top 24, owing to a low percentage in the top position. The fan explained, “LIV players didn’t show up” LIV was 10% of the field, But 8% of the top 24 That’s 2% worse… LIV deserves less representation in majors.”

Another fan was annoyed by the LIV golfer’s presence at the PGA Championship. They took a dig at LIV Golf’s comparatively low event count and the massive prize money that the league boasts about. “LIV needs to go TF back to their once a month meetings and enjoy their cash and “world wide” golf. They add nothing to majors.”

Unlike many who believed that LIV golfers shouldn’t be given more recognition than already are, a user was all in for a huge Sunday showdown. Despite a low number of LIV golfers on the field, they stated that they indeed played better. “I’m not a LIV guy but they show out. Let’s have a great Sunday!!!”

 With LIV Golf pros playing better at the majors, will the U.S. Open and The British Open invite more golfers from the disruptive league? It remains to be seen.