Phil Mickelson makes fresh claim about PGA Tour in frank LIV Golf discussion

Phil Mickelson

According to Phil Mickelson, the flowers at his funeral will be a sign of LIV Golf’s success.

 

In the most recent episode of the Fairway to Heaven podcast, Mickelson asserted this.

 

In his 49-minute speech, Mickelson covered a wide range of subjects.

 

He discussed the victory at the US Open by Bryson DeChambeau, the future of LIV, the turbulent beginnings of his career on the breakaway tour, and his aspirations for his lasting impact in the game.

 

Mickelson had spent a few months in self-imposed exile when he participated in the most embarrassing press conference ever held at Centurion Club in June 2022.

 

When the six-time major champion’s remarks regarding human rights violations and Saudi Arabia were revealed by Alan Shipnuck, it caused a great deal of indignation.

 

 

Subsequently, it was disclosed that Lefty’s unwavering thoughts nearly destroyed the entire show before it even started.

 

However, as of July 2024, negotiations to bring the men’s game back to unity are still going on between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s sponsors, the PIF of Saudi Arabia.

 

Mickelson recalled being on the first tee at Centurion Club, saying, “At first, we were all getting a lot of heat, but I was all in, I thought this is the right thing to do.”

 

“And we were aware that would happen. Even though we knew exactly what would happen, we still went forward because we thought it was the proper thing to do.

 

“And for that reason, I feel that a large number of the game’s characters are on LIV: either they have the courage to play the game in a different way, like Bryson does, or they have the courage to follow their convictions regardless of what other people think.

🗣️ “I understand people may disagree with my decision.”

Phil Mickelson speaks at the Centurion Club on his decision to play in the LIV Golf Series. pic.twitter.com/bgxcd6cd16

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 8, 2022

 

“We were receiving so much criticism that, to put it mildly, I wasn’t as gregarious, but I was genuinely thrilled and delighted because I knew that things would get difficult eventually—I knew that the first two years would be difficult—and now, two years later, everything is completely different.”

 

“We’re having a blast here,” he continued. It’s so much fun here.

 

Phil Mickelson

Legacy of Phil Mickelson

And Mickelson was asked what he thought his legacy will be.

“Perhaps LIV Golf,” he remarked. “and encouraging a younger audience to watch the game.

 

“And introducing the game to younger players and providing them with the tools they need to excel.

 

“The things that all LIV golfers are doing are helping to grow the game on a worldwide scale.”

 

Phil Mickelson

After that, Phil Mickelson Schmidt focused on the PGA Tour.

“When it came to LIV, elevated events and equity in the [PGA] Tour wasn’t an option,” the man stated.

 

As a result, even while we are invested in, involved in, and integrated with LIV’s success—and I’m delighted for all the men on the Tour that they now have all they should—where we are currently draws a new and international audience.

 

“That’s essential to the game’s long-term success, and it’s something the previous Tour model would never achieve because you couldn’t get all the guys to tour the globe and draw spectators who aren’t players.”

 

“Hopefully the success of LIV is what I’m renowned for,” he continued.