Mickelson "First Hawaii Appearance in 21 Years"... Tempted by 'PIP 1st Place Bonus'?

On the 6th, Sentry Tournament Opens: If a Player Ranks 1st in the Influence Program, a "9.6 Billion Won Jackpot" Awaits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Securing the PIP No.1 Bonus."

The 'oldest major champion' Phil Mickelson (USA, photo) is making headlines as he competes in the first PGA Tour event of 2022, the Sentry Tournament of Champions (total prize money $8.2 million), which opens on the night of the 6th (Korean time) at the Plantation Course of Kapalua Resort (par 73, 7,596 yards) on Maui Island, Hawaii. Although he won twice in 1994 and 1998, he has not participated for a whopping 20 years since 2001. Usually, the season starts with the American Express or Farmers Open at the end of January.

The Sentry Tournament of Champions is a 'champion of champions' event where only the previous year's tour winners participate. However, Mickelson has declined all 13 opportunities to compete despite being eligible. The Golf Channel in the U.S. analyzed that this is due to the Player Impact Program (PIP) introduced by the PGA Tour this year. PIP awards $40 million (47.86 billion KRW) to the top 10 players based on Google search volume, global media exposure, social media mentions, TV broadcast exposure, and favorability.

This is an effect of the so-called 'Premier Golf League (PGL) launch' led by Saudi Arabia. In response, the PGA Tour created various incentives such as the PIP and the 'Comcast Business Tour Top 10' with $20 million (23.93 billion KRW) based on rankings before the August playoffs (PO). Mickelson is currently the 'expected No.1 in PIP,' with $8 million (9.57 billion KRW) awaiting him. The last variable is the spectacular return of the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA).

Woods is in second place. Golfweek reporter Anymun Lynch noted, "The evaluation period is from January to December," leaving room for Woods' participation in the PNC Championship to be further reflected. Woods and his son Charlie finished second at the PGA Tour event, the PNC Championship, earlier last month. This raises the possibility of a comeback. Mickelson expressed his candid intention in his comments on participating in the Sentry Tournament, saying, "Please help me become No.1 in PIP," and promising to "deliver exciting news."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.