Phil Mickelson makes feelings clear on LIV Golf and PGA Tour conversation
Phil Mickelson wants the future of golf to be at the forefront of discussions between LIV and the PGA, which is why he’s not playing a part in their merger talks.
Phil Mickelson has admitted he’s “not relevant” to discussions about how the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger could look.
The six-time major winner, 54, led an exodus of golfers in joining the Saudi breakaway as the first significant star to make the switch in 2022. It sent shockwaves through the sport and a fractured 12 months followed.
That was until the rivals agreed to merge in June 2023 in another surprise announcement. Talks have continued in the year-plus since, with a deal seemingly nearing closer albeit very slowly.
Given his age, Mickelson has made clear they’re nothing to do with him because the resolution should be for the good of the future of the sport. When asked what type of schedule he’d like to see, he explained: “I’m not part of those conversations.
“At 54, my schedule and my desires are going to be totally different than most of the players. So bigger picture we have to do what’s best for the players on LIV and the best for the players throughout the game of golf and not just focus on a 54-year-old, so my desires aren’t really relevant, I would say, in that conversation.”
While he recently argued a truce between LIV and the PGA isn’t necessary, Mickelson does feel golf will be better off without the hostility. As for his own future, he’s vowed to call time on his career as and when he feels he’s unable to compete on the LIV circuit, having managed only one top-20 finish this season.
“I see glimpses and my team-mates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at this level, but I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to I’ll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the HyFlyers to new levels,” he said.
Mickelson fared better in the majors, making the cut at the Masters and the Open. With his most recent big four triumphs coming at the PGA Championship just three years ago, he still holds out hope of adding a seventh championship to his legendary CV.