Phil Mickelson, a golf hall of famer and six-time major winner, believes that LIV Golf will be his most remembered legacy. LIV Golf, a tour surrounded by controversy, has been headlined by Mickelson for the past two years. Mickelson shared his thoughts on his legacy during an episode of the Fairway to Heaven podcast, a show backed by LIV Golf. He expressed his hope that LIV Golf would be remembered for its impact on attracting a younger crowd to the sport, providing infrastructure for young players to excel, and growing the game on a global basis. Mickelson emphasized his connection to the success of LIV Golf and its importance for the long-term success of the game.
LIV Golf has made significant waves in the professional golf world since its launch in 2022, offering guaranteed money backed by billions from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The tour has seen notable changes and challenges, including PGA Tour players leaving to join LIV, funding arrangements with the PIF, and the introduction of player equity and signature events. As LIV Golf continues with its unique format of 54-player, no-cut fields, questions arise about the future of professional golf. Will the tours remain separate, will more PGA Tour pros join LIV, and what will reunification look like? Progress towards a deal between the PIF and the Tour has been made, but details remain scarce.
Despite his longtime status as one of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars, Phil Mickelson has been a vocal supporter of LIV Golf since its inception. In early 2022, he controversially commented on the Saudi funding and has been playing with LIV since its start. On the Fairway to Heaven podcast, Mickelson expressed his hope that his connection to LIV Golf and its success would be his lasting legacy. He highlighted the importance of attracting a global crowd to the sport and the opportunities that LIV Golf has created for players.
When asked if LIV Golf would be his lasting legacy, Mickelson affirmed his belief that it would be. He emphasized how LIV Golf has provided opportunities and benefits that were not available through the traditional PGA Tour model, attracting a different crowd and a global audience. Mickelson expressed his satisfaction with the integration of equity and elevated events in LIV Golf, noting that it was not an option for players before LIV. He also acknowledged the benefits that the PGA Tour now offers to its players and highlighted the unique appeal of LIV Golf in attracting non-golf players to watch the sport.
As discussions continue between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and other stakeholders in professional golf, the future of the sport remains uncertain. Phil Mickelson’s involvement and support of LIV Golf have played a significant role in shaping the narrative around the tour and its impact on the game. His hope that LIV Golf will be his lasting legacy reflects his belief in the tour’s potential to grow the game, attract new audiences, and provide opportunities for players to succeed on a global stage. The ongoing dialogue and negotiations between the tours will determine the direction of professional golf in the coming years, and Mickelson’s influence on the sport’s future will likely be a key factor in shaping its evolution.
