-
Paolo Uggetti, ESPN
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson mentioned Sunday he wouldn’t be stunned to see Saudi-backed LIV Golf change its format from 54 to 72 holes, just like the PGA Tour.
Mickelson, who completed 8 over this week on the Masters following a stunning tie for second place in 2023, was requested Sunday how enjoying fewer rounds impacts his recreation and preparation for the key championships.
“I do not assume it makes a distinction both method,” he mentioned after a final-round 2-over 74. “We have got mini-tours enjoying 54, Champions Tour enjoying 54. I would not be stunned if some or all of LIV occasions went to 72. I do not know, but it surely does not matter. I benefit from the competitors.”
Jon Rahm, who received the Masters in 2023, has referred to as for LIV to contemplate altering its format to 72 holes since he joined the tour in December. He doubled down on that forward of the Masters final week.
“I do not know if I am alone on this, however I undoubtedly would not thoughts going again to 72 holes,” he mentioned.
Mickelson believes the format does change a participant’s strategy to a match as a result of it is “extra of a dash” when it is 54 holes.
“You must play effectively the primary day otherwise you’re to this point behind that it is laborious to catch up,” Mickelson mentioned. “Whereas in 72 you possibly can form of work your method into the match and battle if you do not have it the primary day, battle to maintain it round par, then make up floor. It may go both method. It is simply the nuances of a distinct format.”
LIV Golf’s format has been the topic of a lot debate given the tour has but to obtain Official World Golf Rating factors due to its 54-hole occasions. LIV CEO Greg Norman withdrew the league’s software for factors final month.
Golfers on each side of the aisle have expressed their want for the golf world to reunite. But no deal between Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund and the PGA Tour seems imminent regardless of the announcement on June 6, 2023, that the 2 sides had come to a framework settlement to work collectively.
When requested concerning the latest assembly between representatives of the PGA Tour, together with Tiger Woods, and PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan within the Bahamas, Mickelson didn’t supply any particulars Sunday.
“Others are dealing with that; I am not concerned,” Mickelson mentioned. “Others are taking good care of that.”
