Phil Mickelson drops Retirement Hint

Phil Mickelson has faced significant challenges over the past year, ranking near the bottom of LIV Golf’s player standings. Despite his struggles, the six-time major champion has made it clear he has no intention of leaving the league. Speaking on the Fairway to Heaven podcast, Mickelson expressed his commitment to LIV Golf and shared his enjoyment of the tour, despite his poor performance and ongoing criticism.

Mickelson currently ranks 43rd in the LIV Golf standings and has acknowledged that he is approaching the end of his illustrious career. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic and enthusiastic about his involvement in the Saudi-backed league. Earlier in 2023, Mickelson made a remarkable comeback at the Masters, finishing in second place—his highest finish in 27 years. However, his success in the Masters has not translated to consistent performance in the LIV Golf series.

As captain of the HyFlyers team, which ranks 12th out of 13 teams, Mickelson has faced both competitive and public scrutiny. He was the first major player to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, a decision that has attracted significant attention and criticism. Despite this, Mickelson stands by his choice and looks forward to continuing his journey with LIV Golf.

In the podcast, Mickelson reflected on his decision to join LIV Golf and expressed no regrets, emphasizing the enjoyment he and his peers are experiencing. “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,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mickelson hopes that his legacy will be tied to his involvement with LIV Golf. He believes the league is attracting a different and more global audience, which is crucial for the long-term success of the sport. Mickelson hopes his connection with LIV Golf will be remembered as a positive influence on the game’s growth and evolution.

“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,” Mickelson said when asked about his legacy. He emphasized the importance of LIV Golf in reaching new audiences and expanding the sport’s appeal worldwide, a goal he believes the traditional PGA Tour could not achieve.

As Mickelson continues his journey with LIV Golf, he remains committed to the league’s vision and optimistic about its future impact on the sport.