Phil Mickelson claims he has WON the player impact program, Tiger takes second
If the news is true, he is $8 million richer...
Phil Mickelson has claimed to have won the PGA Tour's controversial player impact program, winning $8 million.
Lefty took to social media to boast of the news, which sees him take the top spot ahead of Tiger Woods.
If true, it is remarkable considering Woods, who will celebrate his birthday tomorrow, is the most Googled athlete in the United States in 2021.
The program has been seen as controversial as the PGA Tour looks to hand out cash to players who have the biggest social media presence.
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Well-connected source says this is indeed true. Phil Mickelson wins the Player Impact Program and $8 million, Tiger takes second at $6 million.
Unlucky No. 11 is the top-ranked American and world No. 2 Collin Morikawa. 10th gets $3 million, 11th gets zero. https://t.co/LuefwJkTd7
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) December 29, 2021
They want their star players to reach the biggest audience which in turn will increase revenues.
It has seen players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka trade barbs over Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Critics suggest it is just a case of the rich getting richer as the tour bosses seek to try and fend off rival golf leagues.
The program was seen by many as a direct response to the emerging threat of a breakaway golf league funded by Saudi Arabia.
The winner of the program this year took down $8 million, with second place getting $6 million.
At his most recent press conference, Woods signalled his intention to stay loyal to the PGA Tour as it is his legacy.
In a broadside at the PGA Tour, fans have stated that the money would be better served going to the other tours, such as the Korn Ferry Tour.
It would help the next generation of players coming through who will become the game's next biggest stars.
Mickelson took to Twitter and said:
I’d like to thank all the crazies (and real supporters too) for…………………
Helping me win the PiP!!
To get the 2nd half of the money I have to add an event I haven’t played in awhile. See you in Kapalua
P.S. I’ll try and find another hot controversial topic soon— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) December 29, 2021
The 51-year-old this year became the oldest player ever to win a major when he won the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.
He has been a prominent critic on a number of topics this year, including the lengths of drivers which have now been curtailed.
Golf Digest's Dan Rapaport has claimed that, 'well-placed sources' have suggested that Mickelson's claim is correct.
Next year, the player impact program prize pool has been increased by a further $10 million.
More follows.
