Phil Mickelson has lashed out at USGA CEO Mike Whan over a rule change preventing fellow LIV Golf star Talor Gooch from playing in the US Open, branding it a “total d*** move.”
One criteria for competing in the US Open is to have qualified for the Tour Championship, which Gooch had done.
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However, due to his defection to the Saudi-backed tour, he was ineligible to play in the Tour Championship.
During the USGA’s recent annual meeting, the governing body slightly altered its entry criteria for the US Open to players needing to have both qualified and eligible for the Tour Championship, effectively excluding Gooch.
A Twitter user posted a quote and picture of Whan defending the rule change, with the USGA CEO stating “any time we make changes to our criteria going forward it impacts somebody and it stinks, but we can only look forward.”
However, Mickelson fired back at Whan on social media in emphatic fashion.
Mickelson wrote: “Hey Mike, what about changing a rule and making it retroactive to exclude someone who has already qualified?
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“How can Talor Gooch not take that personal? It’s a direct attack on him and his career.
“How does it benefit the USGA or US Open? It doesn’t. Just a d*** move.”
The six-time major winner doubled down on his stance in response to another user.
“He (Gooch) qualified 9 months ago via Tour Championship,” Mickelson wrote.
“3 months ago Whan changed the wording on the qualifying criteria to take it away.
“Total d*** move by Whan. He leads our governing body. Sad.”
Despite the USGA’s ruling when it comes to those who qualify and are eligible for the Tour Championship, Gooch may also qualify via his world ranking position.
The top 60 players in the OWGR as of May 22 and June 12 are exempt.
Gooch is ranked 60th which leaves him right on the cutline but given LIV Golf players can’t earn ranking points, there’s a chance the 31-year-old misses out.
However, Gooch will get one big chance to boost his ranking position in the second major of the season at the PGA Championship which begins on May 18.
