The 5 players who could follow Phil Mickelson in quitting LIV Golf for backroom roles

5 Players Who Could Follow Phil Mickelson in Transitioning from LIV Golf to Backroom Roles

Phil Mickelson, one of the most celebrated figures in golf, has recently hinted that his illustrious career may soon be winding down. The 54-year-old LIV Golf star has faced a challenging season, and the possibility of stepping back from competitive play to take on a leadership role within his team is becoming increasingly likely. Mickelson is not alone in contemplating such a transition; several other players in the LIV Golf league might also be considering a shift to backroom roles as their competitive careers draw to a close.

Phil Mickelson: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Phil Mickelson has been a trailblazer in the world of golf, and his decision to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league in 2022 was no exception. However, despite his status as a founding member and a six-time major champion, Mickelson’s performance this season has been underwhelming. With just one top-10 finish in Jeddah back in March and currently sitting 44th out of 56 players, Mickelson’s form has been on a steady decline.

Recognizing that his best days on the course may be behind him, Mickelson recently acknowledged the possibility of stepping aside if his performance does not improve. As the captain of the HyFlyers, he has been a central figure in the team, but he is realistic about his future. “I see glimpses of where I expect to be, but I’m also realistic,” Mickelson said. “If I’m not able to compete at this level, I’ll step aside and let someone else take the HyFlyers to new heights.”

Mickelson’s involvement with the HyFlyers extends beyond his playing career, as he holds an equity stake in the team. This means that even if he steps back from active competition, he could continue to influence the team’s direction as a non-playing captain or general manager.

Bubba Watson: A Career at a Crossroads

Bubba Watson, at 45 years old, has also experienced a tough season, far removed from his glory days as a two-time Masters champion in 2012 and 2014. Currently ranked 51st in the LIV standings, Watson has come under scrutiny from LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman, who has pressured him to improve his performance.

As the captain and part-owner of the Range Goats team, Watson finds himself in a situation similar to Mickelson’s. His captaincy provides some protection from relegation, but his recent form has raised concerns. Watson has admitted that if he continues to struggle, he would be willing to step down as a player and focus on a non-playing captaincy role. “I love helping the young guys,” Watson said. “If they don’t think I’m good enough to play, they can kick me out, and we’ll find another good golfer to take my place.”

Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Henrik Stenson: The Majesticks’ Veterans

The Majesticks trio—Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Henrik Stenson—have all had distinguished careers, but 2024 has been a challenging year for them. Westwood, 51, has managed to stay afloat in the standings, currently sitting at 34th place, thanks to a third-place finish in Nashville. However, Poulter and Stenson have struggled, ranked 45th and 39th, respectively, and hovering just above the relegation zone.

While none of the trio have publicly indicated a desire to step back, their current form suggests that a transition to backroom roles might be on the horizon, especially as LIV Golf continues to pursue younger talent. Despite their struggles, Poulter, Westwood, and Stenson remain valuable assets to the league due to their leadership experience and Ryder Cup pedigree. Even if they no longer compete as players, they could still play significant roles within the league’s organizational structure.

Dustin Johnson: A Future Beyond the Fairways?

Dustin Johnson, at 40, is another player whose future in LIV Golf may eventually shift away from active competition. Although Johnson won in Las Vegas earlier this season, his performances in the major championships have been disappointing, leading some to question whether he still has the same competitive drive that once made him the world No. 1.

Johnson’s move to LIV was partly motivated by the lighter schedule, and while he remains one of the league’s most marketable players, there are questions about his long-term commitment to the rigors of tournament golf. As the captain of the 4Aces, Johnson has been instrumental in securing sponsorships and building a strong foundation for his team. If he decides to step back from playing in the coming years, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him continue to lead his team from the sidelines.

Conclusion

As LIV Golf continues to evolve, the league’s veteran players, including Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, and Dustin Johnson, may soon find themselves transitioning from players to backroom leaders. Whether driven by declining performance or a desire to focus on team management, these golf stars could soon be shaping the future of LIV Golf from outside the ropes. Their wealth of experience and leadership skills will remain invaluable to the league, ensuring that their influence endures long after their playing careers have ended.