During the press conference held on the sidelines of the International Series Oman, a race won by Japan’s Takumi Kanaya, Graeme McDowell, who finished tied for 36th, spoke to reporters about topics close to his heart.
Graeme McDowell, statements
In his second year as a LIV Golf player, GMac would like to participate in the Majors: “It is natural that I would be happy to participate in the Majors” “But my position in the World Ranking is not improving, in fact, it is getting worse” “Apart from that, I am very satisfied with my current calendar, I have many tournaments to play”.
McDowell won the U.S. Open in 2010, and therefore his exemption from past champion has expired, given that the USGA invites players who have won the tournament in the ten editions prior to the current one. It is true that, in the light of what was communicated by the USGA, Gmac will be able to participate in the qualifying events, given that, at the moment, climbing up the World Ranking (it currently occupies the 392nd position) is quite difficult.
“Anyway, while I don’t currently have any majors exemptions, I feel like I have to play 14.” “The fourteen LIV Golf events are financially majors, and so there is an important stake at stake”. Graeme McDowell is satisfied with his choice.
The only regret he has is linked to the story which, last year, saw him at the center of criticism, even heavy (he received death threats), for statements in support of the League led by Greg Norman. “I regret making statements last year” “It’s one of those things that I didn’t understand the harmfulness of until it happened” “This year I will try to just play golf, do my job, be a pro and do the best I can”.
Moving on to the Ryder Cup topic, GMac stated that he would be very sad not to be one of the future Team Europe Captains, but that he has accepted the idea that his chances of him are all but gone. Before the “earthquake” caused by the dispute between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, his name had been indicated as a candidate for the 2027 edition, which will be held at the Adare Manor, succeeding his friend Jan James Poulter, destined to lead Team Europe in 2025 in the USA, on the Bethpage Black Course.
But, as we know, the situation on the Ryder issue is suspended pending the sports arbitration relating to the appeal of the LIV players against the DP World Tour. A judgment in favor of the appellants would open up very important scenarios. It would be the first step towards ending this absurd war.
