Phil Mickelson has been struggling for form since joining LIV Golf in 2022, but the six-time major champion has regularly defended the controversial series against the likes of Rory McIlroy.
Phil Mickelson’s time as a player in LIV Golf may come to an end sooner than expected. Just a year and a half ago, he warned Rory McIlroy about the growing influence of the breakaway series. However, it seems that Mickelson’s playing career in LIV Golf might be winding down.
When LIV Golf emerged as a potential competitor to the PGA Tour, Mickelson was one of the first players to join and show his support for the Saudi-backed league. He has been a prominent figure in the controversial circuit ever since. But now, according to Mickelson’s biographer Alan Shipnuck, there is a possibility that his next contract with LIV Golf will be as a non-playing captain.
The team captains in LIV Golf were given four-year deals by commissioner Greg Norman, and it is expected that players will enter into new negotiations with the league towards the end of 2025. If Mickelson decides to step away from playing at the end of his contract, it will mark the end of a lucrative yet relatively short stint with LIV Golf. Throughout his time in the league, Mickelson has been a strong advocate for LIV Golf, defending it against critics like McIlroy, who has been one of the most vocal opponents of the breakaway series. Mickelson has been at the forefront of speaking out against the PGA Tour in support of LIV Golf.
In October 2022, Mickelson expressed his optimism about LIV Golf’s future, highlighting the significant progress the organization has made in the past six to seven months. Despite initial doubts, LIV Golf has emerged as a formidable force in the game and continues to thrive. It is truly remarkable to witness their growth.
However, McIlroy’s perspective on LIV Golf has shifted since the merger talks began. Initially, he strongly opposed the breakaway tour, but with the recent developments, including Jon Rahm’s defection, McIlroy seems more open to accepting LIV Golf. It appears that Mickelson’s involvement in the organization may not be as extensive as he had anticipated.
Although Mickelson is a legendary figure in golf, his performance on the LIV circuit has been less than stellar. With only two top-10 finishes in 20 events, he has struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed during his time on the PGA Tour.
Mickelson is just one win away from completing the career Grand Slam, with the U.S. Open being the only major championship that has eluded him so far. In February 2022, Mickelson revealed his retirement plans in an interview with Golf Digest, stating that if he were to win the US Open, it would be his final tournament.
He believes that achieving the career Grand Slam would be the ultimate accomplishment, leaving him with nothing more to prove.
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