Phil Mickelson has indicated that he may soon transition from being a playing member of LIV Golf to leading his team from the sidelines, following a challenging season. He is not alone in this consideration, as other team captains are contemplating similar changes.
Phil Mickelson has recently suggested that his illustrious career may be approaching its conclusion, particularly in light of a challenging season for the LIV Golf competitor. He is not alone, as other participants in the breakaway league may also transition into behind-the-scenes roles.
The 54-year-old, who was a founding member of the Saudi Arabia-backed league established in 2022, has yet to secure a victory this season and has managed only one top-10 finish, which occurred in Jeddah in March. His performance has significantly declined, placing him 44th out of 56 players in the standings, with only two events left in the season.
Mickelson is well aware that his peak performance on the golf course is likely in the past. As he prepares for next week’s tournament at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, the captain of the HyFlyers team acknowledged that he may need to make way for someone else if his game doesn’t improve.
“I catch glimpses of my potential, and my teammates do too, but I have to be honest with myself. If I can’t compete at this level, I’ll step back and allow someone else to lead the HyFlyers to greater heights,” Mickelson shared.
I will participate in every major event on the regular tour next year, and I anticipate competing in three out of the four majors for the next six to seven years. My aspiration is to compete effectively and position myself for victory in these tournaments. Additionally, I aim to foster a sustainable culture that encourages participation and engagement.
In terms of my involvement, whether it pertains to my role as a player or from an external perspective, I intend to be deeply engaged with the HyFlyers for the foreseeable future, likely for the remainder of my life. I will also maintain a realistic outlook regarding my playing career.
Mickelson secured a contract valued at approximately £150 million when he left the PGA Tour, and he also holds an equity share in the HyFlyers, ensuring his involvement with the team extends beyond his active playing career.
There’s a possibility that the six-time major champion could transition into a non-playing captain and general manager role for his team once he chooses to retire, and he’s not the only one in the league considering a similar path.
Bubba Watson
Watson, aged 45, has experienced a challenging season, appearing to be a mere shadow of the player who triumphed at The Masters in both 2012 and 2014. Once ranked as the world No. 2, he currently sits at 51st in the standings. Recently, LIV commissioner Greg Norman highlighted Watson’s situation, indicating that he faces pressure to maintain his position within the league as LIV Golf UK approaches.
As the captain and part-owner of the Range Goats team, Watson finds himself in a comparable predicament to Mickelson. While his role as captain offers him some protection against relegation, it is evident that the leadership of LIV is dissatisfied with his recent performances.
Watson has acknowledged that he will willingly resign and take on the role of non-playing captain if his performance doesn’t get better.
“I told my team that if they feel I’m not up to par, they can replace me with another skilled golfer. I plan to keep playing until they decide to let me go,” said the Florida native.
I really enjoy supporting the younger guys. They’re all striving to improve themselves and their golf skills. I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on three golfers who are also young dads. I want to be there for them, and if they face any challenges, I hope to lend a helping hand.
Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson
The past year has proven to be challenging for the Majesticks trio, who serve as co-captains of the team. Westwood, at 51 years of age, is faring the best among them, currently positioned in 34th place in the standings, a position bolstered by his third-place finish in Nashville, which helped him escape the relegation zone.
In contrast, Stenson and Poulter, both 48, find themselves in 39th and 45th places, respectively, remaining just above the relegation threshold. While the trio has not indicated any desire to withdraw from competition, their performance reflects a different narrative. Should LIV continue its aggressive pursuit of emerging young talent, they may soon experience the same pressure that Watson is currently facing from Norman.
Poulter and Westwood were among the original members of the league, with 48-year-old Stenson joining shortly after and clinching victory in his first appearance at LIV Golf Bedminster two years ago. This remains the sole win for a Majesticks player as LIV approaches the conclusion of its third season.
All three have had remarkable careers, but they seem to be past their prime. If they face another challenging season in 2025, discussions about potential backroom roles with the league’s management might arise. Regardless of their performance, these Ryder Cup legends continue to be valuable assets to the league, even if they aren’t actively competing.
Dustin Johnson
The 40-year-old athlete still possesses considerable potential, having secured a victory in Las Vegas earlier this season; however, he has not been in contention for a win since that time. His results in major tournaments have also been disappointing.
The two-time major champion is not contemplating retirement at this moment, but his transition to LIV was motivated by the more manageable schedule it provides. This decision has led to speculation regarding whether he has lost the competitive edge that characterized his tenure as world No. 1 and made him a formidable contender at the beginning of every tournament.
The captain of 4Aces stands out as one of LIV’s top brands, and Johnson has arguably been the league’s most effective captain in securing sponsorships and establishing a solid foundation for his team.
If he finds satisfaction in his accomplishments a few years from now and decides he’s had his fill of the demands of tournament golf, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him guiding his team from the sidelines.
Undoubtedly, Johnson continues to be one of the most skilled players to wield a club, and it should not be overlooked that he may soon regain his form and achieve further significant victories in the future.
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