Phil Mickelson Risks PGA Tour Backlash with Controversial LIV Golf Comments

Phil Mickelson has once again stirred the waters in the golfing world with his candid comments about his alignment with LIV Golf. The renowned golfer, who was among the first high-profile players to leave the PGA Tour for a lucrative contract with LIV Golf in 2022, is now openly expressing his desire to have LIV Golf be remembered as his legacy.

Mickelson, whose impressive career on the PGA Tour boasts 45 tournament victories, chose to sign a staggering £155 million deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed LIV Golf tour. This move marked a significant shift in his career trajectory and sparked widespread debate within the golf community.

In a recent interview on the “Fairway to Heaven” podcast, Mickelson reflected on his association with LIV Golf. “I think, hopefully, LIV Golf and helping get the game to a younger crowd, helping get the game to younger players and giving them infrastructure to become great, helping to grow the game on a global basis. Like, all the things LIV Golf is doing. I feel very connected to the success,” he remarked.

When asked if he considered LIV Golf to be his legacy, Mickelson affirmed, “I sure hope so. Because it wasn’t an option – like elevated events and equity in the tour wasn’t an option for the guys that came to LIV.” He highlighted the contrast between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, emphasizing that his current association is driving the sport towards a new audience and fostering a global appeal.

Mickelson elaborated on the unique appeal of LIV Golf, stating, “Where we’re at, we’re attracting a different crowd. And we’re attracting a global crowd. And that’s critical to the long-term success of the game. The old model of the Tour would never transcend into this because you couldn’t get all the guys to travel the world and play over there, attracting players who don’t typically engage with golf to want to watch.”

He expressed optimism about the future of LIV Golf and his role within it. “I think LIV Golf is doing that and I’m hopeful that my connection with LIV and hopefully the success of LIV will be what I’m known for.” Acknowledging the challenges of the initial years with LIV Golf, he admitted, “I knew the first two years were going to be rough and here we are, two years in now, and it’s totally different. We’re having a blast here. We’re having so much fun.”

The PGA Tour, in March, announced intentions to negotiate a merger with LIV Golf, yet no agreement has been finalized. Mickelson’s comments are likely to provoke further discussion and possibly tension between the two entities as they navigate their future in the evolving landscape of professional golf.