Phil Mickelson believes “LIV is disruptive” but will be worth it
Phil Mickelson is happy LIV Golf is making changes, despite the disruption, and getting the voices of former and current PGA Tour players heard.
Ahead of this week’s LIV Golf in Boston that began on Friday, Phil Mickelson made sure to repeatedly express his contentment regarding LIV Golf, its players and their voices.
The six-time major champion told the media Thursday that the chaos the new Saudi-backed league has brought upon golf has actually led to top players from the PGA Tour and those who made the switch to the rival league to being heard.
“I’m extremely happy that the top players are being listened to and that their input is being valued,” Mickelson said,
Mickelson also said that both parties are “appreciative” for the changes that have been happening since the new controversial league was born, whether that be the PGA increasing its purses, or LIV golf giving more opportunities to young players.
Last week, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced that the average purses of 13 elevated events in 2023 are $20 million, which Mickelson doesn’t believe would’ve happened “without the leverage that LIV Golf has provided.”
He added that “there was no leverage,” before. “There were no other options.”
Mickelson on LIV: “We’re just getting started”
Despite being banned from the Tour, Mickelson is fully committed to LIV, with no plans of going back to the PGA Tour. He is even one of the players who filed a lawsuit against the Tour for being denied participation at tournaments, and believes that he will be able to play in next year’s Masters.
Related: LIV Golf Invitational Boston behind the numbers of the 48-man field
“My commitment now is with LIV,” said Mickelson. “We’ve made some major disruption to the sport of golf, and have created some really unique opportunities for players and fans. And we’re just getting started.”
LIV’s sports washing is not a concern from Mickelson
The 52-year-old with 45 PGA Tour wins also admitted that LIV is being used for sports washing Saudi Arabia’s countless human rights barbarousness, but that eventually these “difficulties will be worth it.”
“I think with any significant change, you are going to have disruption,” said Mickelson. “LIV is disruptive. There’s no question. I think that in the end, everything is going to work out the way it should. I think whatever difficulties we may face in the process may be worth it.
“I think we’re in a bit of a grace period before it all works itself out. I believe it will in time. I believe these organizations will come together in time and find a solution. The upside is tremendously high, especially on a global scale.”