John Larm Reflects on His Success at LIV Event
In Oakmont, Pennsylvania, John Larm continues to impress, boasting 21 consecutive top-10 finishes at his LIV golf events. When asked about his ongoing success, he expressed, “I’m open to trading in some of those finishes for more wins. It’s definitely true that I’m often in a good spot. But, let’s be honest—I play really good golf, but it’s a bit easier to land in the top 10 in a smaller field of 48 players.”
He hesitates, pondering, “Did I ever compete in a full-field event?” It seems to be a reminder of just how competitive the landscape is, he adds, “I feel like I’m probably in the top 30 consistently, maybe even top 25. That’s something I think is pretty solid. Still, I’ve managed to rack up quite a few top-10s.”
He mentions that while he would love to think his achievements stem from his skills, he admits, “I know it’s a smaller group, so I can’t always take full credit.” It’s refreshing to see such a candid acknowledgment of the sport’s nuances.
Phil Mickelson’s Future at the US Open
Meanwhile, John Bordenhamer, the USGA Chief Championship Officer, participated in the 34th U.S. Open on Wednesday. He hinted that Phil Mickelson, who is in the last year of a five-year exemption for the event, should be considered for a special invite next year.
The upcoming 2026 US Open will be hosted at Shinnecock Hills, a course where Mickelson has previously played, notably in 2004. While Mickelson received a special exemption in 2021 and secured a five-year exemption by winning the PGA Championship, this week marks the end of that privilege.
Bordenham stated, “We’ll review the situation next year for Shinnecock and consider all possibilities.” He added a note of hope, “We wish for him to find his own way in, and I believe he would agree—that’s how he earned it last time.” It sounds like there’s a lot of respect for Mickelson’s journey.
Rory McIlroy’s Experience with Equipment Issues
In another development, Rory McIlroy discussed his challenges during the recent PGA Championship, specifically about using a backup driver after his main one was deemed non-compliant by the USGA.
He remarked, “It wasn’t a big deal for Scotty [Scheffler], so it shouldn’t have been for me either.” It’s intriguing how competitors often downplay their struggles, yet it reveals a lot about their mindset.
Interestingly, Scheffler himself, ranked as the world’s No. 1 player, faced a similar fate with his driver being pulled from play due to compliance issues. Overall, it’s clear that even the best faces hurdles in the sport.
