Phil Mickelson has a strong comment on the LIV golf course on the PGA Tour, initially appearing on Athlon Sports.
Phil Mickelson, 54, has enjoyed an extraordinary career and has won 57 career victories, including 45 PGA Tours, which has tied him together for the eighth time in history. He also won six major titles. But in many ways, his decision to join LIV golf is probably the most important hub of his career.
The former Arizona Sun Demon's outstanding figure became a professional player in 1992 and remains one of the sport's most influential voices. He accepted the form of LIV golf and continued to be one of its most powerful advocates.
In a recent interview with Jamie Kennedy of Golf Digest, Mickelson shared enthusiastic thoughts about the status of Liv Golf and its progress.
"Yesterday, Phil was asked about his current assessment of where Leaf golf is," Kennedy said. "This is his complete 2.5-minute answer."
Yesterday, Phil was asked where his current assessment of Liv Golf is.
—Jamie Kennedy (@JamierKennedy) June 5, 2025
This is his complete 2.5-minute answer.
(Including Rory's cunning excavation at 1:00) pic.twitter.com/a3hapxwtnc
When asked about his assessment of the LIV golf landscape, Mickelson did not back down.
"I think Liv has made incredible progress in getting to where we want it to be. It will get there. I don't know the exact timetable. That said, we want the best players in the world to compete with each other more often around the world."
He continues to compare LIV with his traditional PGA Tour mode for decades:
"The model I've been not allowed for decades. We rarely play. We never have an elevated event. Outside of the profession, we're not all competing with each other. We can't tour internationally. It's frustrating for sponsors - for fans who give no model when they give a range.
Mickelson notes that the recent event is proof of Liv setting the right course:
“Even during last week’s signature event, we saw it. Unless in the NFL or MLB, like a contractual obligation, players will do what suits them best. When brought to the model of LIV, this model makes professional golf a global sport.”
Mickelson will be in the upcoming U.S. Open, marking the fifth and final year of the waiver he received when he won the 2021 PGA championship. This may be his last chance to finish a professional grand slam, as the U.S. Open is the only grand slam he hasn't won.
His recent record at the U.S. Open has been tough. He missed layoffs for three consecutive years. He last advanced in 2021, when he tied for 62nd place. His best shot was in 2013, when he tied for second place, the latest record for six runners-ups in the event.
Whether he can add a legend to his Hall of Fame career remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Mickelson bets on Liv, and he didn't look back.
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This story was first appeared on June 6, 2025 by Athlon Sports.