In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Phil Mickelson said that the competition between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour will “benefit” the two organizations and the golfers involved.
“I think players on both sides of LIV and the PGA Tour are appreciative of what is happening,” Mickelson said. “Every player is benefiting. … There was no leverage. There were no other options.”
According to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan’s announcement last week, the top players on the PGA Tour have committed to competing in 20 tournaments, including 13 elevated events with average prizes of $20 million. Monahan also added that some players will have travel stipends and salary guarantees.
“I’m extremely happy that the top players are being listened to and that their input is being valued. And that those events are coming about,” Mickelson said.
Mickelson asserted that both LIV Gold and the PGA Tour made major disruptions to golf and created unusual opportunities for players and fans.
“I would say I’m generally happy that the top players who are really driving the Tour and creating the interest are being listened to,” Mickelson said. “And what they are doing for the Tour is being valued now. I’m happy to see that happen.”
Mickelson said that, despite the PGA Tour’s revamped strategy, he remains dissatisfied. He had discussed it extensively with the previous commissioner, Tim Finchem, and later with Monahan.
“It’s interesting, some of the similarities,” Mickelson said.
According to Mickelson, nothing would happen unless there was leverage. He added that players have to appreciate what LIV is doing.
“I think that in the end, everything is going to work out the way it should,” Mickelson added. “I think whatever difficulties we may face in the process may be worth it.”
Mickelson insisted that LIV Golf and PGA Tour will one day “understand” each other, and the two organizations will have positive effects globally.
Phil Mickelson Says He 'Wholeheartedly' Expects to Play in 2023 Masters https://t.co/BF5tiyQzi4
— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) September 2, 2022
As he “wholeheartedly” anticipates competing in the Masters in 2023, he doubts that the major championships will ban players who switched to LIV Golf.
“I have the utmost respect for [Masters chairman Fred Ridley] and the leaders of the majors,” Mickelson said.
“There’s been to date no threat at all. I’m not saying that couldn’t change. I just don’t see how that could benefit anybody. I believe they are wise enough and great leaders who can see that.”
LIV players’ PGA Tour membership renewal denied
Unfortunately, the PGA tour does not share Mickelson’s sentiment. The Tour announced that it would not permit LIV players to extend their memberships for the 2022–2023 season.
After 30 years on the PGA Tour, Mickelson has also parted ways with the Tour and is now committing himself to LIV Golf. This decision has caused him and other golfers who switched to LIV Golf to have their PGA Tour memberships suspended.
Consequently, the Tour’s decision has prompted Mickelson and other golfers to sue the PGA Tour for antitrust violations.
According to CNBC, the players’ contracts with LIV restrict them from adhering to the membership rules, so they are not eligible for renewal.
Kirsten Burgess, vice president of the PGA Tour, responded to the controversy.
“The Tour cannot enter into a membership agreement with a player when, as here, it reasonably anticipates the player will not perform the material obligations under that agreement,” Burgess said in a statement.