Mickelson Ranked No.1 in Golf Influence... Woods No.2

ESPN Announces 25 Most Influential Figures in World Golf
McIlroy 3rd, Norman 4th, Kim Juhyung 18th

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Phil Mickelson (USA, photo) has risen to the number one spot in influence in the world golf community.

On the 1st (local time), the American sports media ESPN announced the list of the "Top 25 most influential names who made the biggest news in professional golf over the past year."

Mickelson, who transferred to LIV Golf sponsored by Saudi Arabian capital, ranked first. The media explained, "Mickelson became the oldest major winner in history by winning the 2021 PGA Championship, and early last year, he caused controversy by defending LIV Golf and criticizing the PGA Tour, which led to many sponsors terminating contracts with him. He was unable to participate in PGA Tour events and eventually moved to LIV Golf."

The "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) ranked second. Woods, who severely injured his leg in a car accident in February 2021, made his comeback at the Masters in April last year and also participated in the PGA Championship and The Open. ESPN said, "Although Woods did not achieve good results in the tournaments, his comeback remains the biggest news in the golf world," and evaluated that "he ranked first in the PGA Tour player influence ranking for two consecutive years."

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) ranked third, LIV Golf leader Greg Norman (Australia) fourth, and Jay Monahan (USA), PGA Tour Commissioner, fifth. Kim Joo-hyung, who won two PGA Tour events last year, ranked 18th. ESPN praised, "Although the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year was Cameron Young (USA), Kim Joo-hyung was also one of the players who produced the most satisfying results in 2022," adding, "He became the first player since Woods in 1996 to win two events before turning 21."