Phil Mickelson cannot Escape Tiger Woods Shadow Despite Lucrative Contract With LIV

Phil Mickelson, known for his illustrious career both on and off the golf course, faced a disappointing outing at the recent LIV Golf tournament in Hong Kong. Despite a hefty contract with LIV Golf, Mickelson continues to be overshadowed by his longtime rival, Tiger Woods.

In Hong Kong, Mickelson endured a challenging weekend, finishing second to last after a tumultuous opening round and failing to regain momentum throughout the tournament. While he managed to improve in the final rounds, his performance fell short, highlighting his struggle for form as he approaches his 54th birthday in June. Mickelson’s hopes of clinching another major championship appear to be fading, despite experimenting with a new putter.

His recent setbacks add to a series of lackluster performances in the LIV Golf season, where he finished tied for 51st and 30th in previous events. Despite his on-course struggles, Mickelson remains a significant figure off the course, ranking among the highest-earning athletes globally in 2023.

According to Forbes, Mickelson secured the seventh spot on the list, earning a staggering $104 million, primarily from endorsements and sponsorships. This substantial income includes a reported $200 million contract with LIV Golf signed in 2022.

However, when it comes to career earnings, Mickelson still trails behind Tiger Woods, as highlighted by Sportico’s ranking of the top 50 highest-paid athletes of all time. Woods, with inflation-adjusted career earnings of $2.66 billion, holds the second position on the list, surpassed only by NBA legend Michael Jordan. Other golf icons such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus also feature prominently, further emphasizing Mickelson’s position relative to Woods.

With career earnings totaling $1.43 billion, Mickelson occupies the 11th spot on the list, once again finding himself in Woods’ shadow. Notably, LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman also makes the list, underscoring the significant financial opportunities within the sport.

Despite Mickelson’s enduring legacy and impressive earnings, his quest for a US Open victory and a career grand slam remains unfulfilled. As he navigates through the challenges on the course, Mickelson continues to be a formidable presence in the world of golf, both as a competitor and a commercial entity.