Phil Mickelson stated he has heard from “quite a few” skilled golfers from each LIV Golf and the PGA Tour concerning the present upheaval within the sport and the adjustments which have come because of it.
“I believe gamers on each side of LIV and the PGA Tour are appreciative of what’s occurring,” the 52-year-old Mickelson told Sports Illustrated in an interview printed Thursday. “Each participant is benefiting. … There was no leverage. There have been no different choices.”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan final week introduced the PGA Tour’s high gamers had committed to compete in 20 events, together with 13 elevated occasions with common purses of $20 million, beginning in 2023.
“I am extraordinarily glad that the highest gamers are being listened to and that their enter is being valued. And that these occasions are coming about,” Mickelson stated.
Mickelson, nevertheless, is not a part of that dialogue. He has had his PGA Tour membership suspended after 30 years, together with different opponents who’ve made the leap to LIV Golf. He’s amongst a gaggle of these suspended golfers to have filed an antitrust lawsuit in opposition to the PGA Tour.
“My dedication now’s with LIV,” Mickelson instructed Sports activities Illustrated. “We have made some main disruption to the game of golf, and have created some actually distinctive alternatives for gamers and followers. And we’re simply getting began.
“I’d say I am typically glad that the highest gamers who’re actually driving the Tour and creating the curiosity are being listened to. And what they’re doing for the Tour is being valued now. I am glad to see that occur.”
Mickelson stated he would not really feel “vindication” by the brand new course that the PGA Tour has taken. It is one which he says he had mentioned a number of occasions with former commissioner Tim Finchem after which Monahan — “It is fascinating, a number of the similarities,” he stated.
As a substitute, Mickelson says that everyone will profit from the conflict between the 2 excursions.
“Until there was leverage, nothing was going to alter,” Mickelson instructed SI. “And all gamers must be appreciative of what LIV is doing. The gamers on LIV, for the chance they’re getting. And the PGA Tour [golfers], for the leverage that was offered to get these adjustments finished.
“I believe with any important change, you will have disruption. LIV is disruptive. There is no query. I believe that in the long run, every thing goes to work out the best way it ought to. I believe no matter difficulties we might face within the course of could also be value it.”
He later added: “I believe we’re in a little bit of a grace interval earlier than all of it works itself out. I consider it is going to in time. I consider these organizations will come collectively in time and discover a answer. The upside is tremendously excessive, particularly on a worldwide scale.”
The six-time main champion stated he “wholeheartedly” expects to play within the Masters in 2023 after lacking the occasion this yr along with the PGA Championship. Mickelson additionally stated that he would not assume that the main championships will ban those that have made the transfer to LIV Golf from competing.
“I consider wholeheartedly I will be at Augusta [in 2023],” Mickelson instructed SI. “I’ve the utmost respect for [Masters chairman Fred Ridley] and the leaders of the majors. There’s been to this point no risk in any respect. I am not saying that could not change. I simply do not see how that might profit anyone. I consider they’re smart sufficient and nice leaders who can see that.”
Added Mickelson: “I consider they perceive how not having lots of the high gamers on the earth undermines their occasions. And the way that might harm the sport of golf.”
