LIV Golf on the brink of collapsed after alleged Phil Mickelson comments

“LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed tour aiming to shake up the world of professional golf, faced early turbulence following alleged comments attributed to Phil Mickelson, one of the sport’s most decorated players. Mickelson reportedly referred to Saudi officials as “scary motherf*****s,” casting doubt among top golf stars considering joining the league.

The alleged remarks, made in the context of concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and its treatment of the LGBT community, sent ripples through the golfing world. Despite Mickelson’s subsequent denial of ever giving such an interview to his biographer Alan Shipnuck, the fallout threatened to derail LIV Golf’s momentum before it even teed off.

In response to the controversy, Mickelson emphasized his positive experience with LIV Golf, stating, “I never did an interview with Alan Shipnuck,” and expressing respect for everyone involved with the tour. However, the initial impact of his alleged comments lingered, adding an early challenge for the fledgling league.

Although Mickelson was among the first high-profile players to commit to LIV Golf, his performance on the new tour has yet to match his legacy. Despite his team, the HyFlyers, securing a respectable third-place finish in Adelaide, Mickelson himself has yet to claim victory.

However, his teammate Brendan Steele provided a much-needed boost by clinching the individual title in Adelaide, crediting Mickelson for his guidance and mentorship. Steele acknowledged Mickelson’s invaluable advice on various aspects of the game, highlighting his role as a trusted mentor and source of confidence.

Despite early setbacks and controversies, LIV Golf continues to push forward, buoyed by the talent and dedication of players like Mickelson and Steele. As the tour seeks to establish itself as a formidable force in professional golf, it faces both challenges and opportunities on its path to success.”