By Ryan Bologna
The first LIV Golf event is underway in London. The controversy surrounding the Saudi-backed series has been much-discussed, but with the first event officially underway social media has run wild with reactions. Much was to be said about Phil Mickelson’s outfit at the draft for this weekend’s event, and Dustin Johnson dropped a bomb on the golf world by announcing that he has resigned from the PGA Tour. The golf world is one of the most unique states we have ever seen, here are social media’s best reactions to the first LIV golf event.
Each LIV Golf tournament has a team aspect, meaning that there will be a draft held before each event. Mickelson showed up to the draft for this weekend’s event in London in all black with a leather jacket, and as expected, people made sure to get their jokes off on Twitter.
Phil Mickelson looks like someone who double-crosses Marty and Wendy Byrde pic.twitter.com/HoGWjD1MbA
— Kyle Koster (@KyleKoster) June 8, 2022
While this tweet in reference to Mickelson’s style was funny, there were countless of its kind. The best roast of Mickelson this week used the rumored contract he signed with LIV to throw a jab.
Phil Mickelson reportedly got $200 million to play the Saudi tour, which he already lost in an 8-game parlay
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) June 7, 2022
Ruthless. That’s what the PGA was going for when they suspended any current and future LIV participants.
PGA Tour suspends current and future LIV players. pic.twitter.com/lKhxo27Ida
— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) June 9, 2022
But I’m sure Mickelson and Johnson are content with their choices. They knew the scrutiny they signed up for and we know they both are getting paid handsomely. I think this tweet sums it up the best.
Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson reading the PGA’s suspension letter pic.twitter.com/m3PQNs0Zq4
— MyBookie – Bet With The Best (@MyBookie) June 9, 2022
It seems the media hasn’t had the best time covering this event. Well-known golf journalist Alan Shipnuck said that he was thrown out of Mickelson’s press conference. He turned to Twitter, where he showed his text chain with LIV commissioner Greg Norman. He notified Norman that he had been thrown out, and Norman replied that he was not aware. But not before Shipnuck found a photo of Norman watching him get removed. You can’t make this stuff up.
You cannot make this shit up! I texted Greg Norman before someone sent me this video – I had no idea he was lurking behind me. pic.twitter.com/thgdMlfTAR
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) June 9, 2022
The debate about whether it is ethical for these golfers to accept money to participate in the Saudi-backed series has continued. Pat McAfee went on a four-minute tirade defending the players.
There are A LOT of people who are NOT happy with the LIV Golf Tour#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/QbEYOxeWzo
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 8, 2022
As expected, this did not go over well. Multiple people posted this meme in the replies.
— Anthony Giffen (@AnthonyGiffen) June 8, 2022
This week has been a whirlwind in the golf world, and there is no sign of it stopping anytime soon as more players continue to join the LIV tour.
Photo Credit: L.E.MORMILE
