Golf: Mickelson 'at peace' if he never plays PGA, Ryder Cup again
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Phil Mickelson planned to “scale down” his number of events while prioritising majors.
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LOS ANGELES – Phil Mickelson has said that he will be “at peace” even if he never plays in a PGA Tour event or Ryder Cup again, nearly one year after his explosive remarks about the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series triggered uproar.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated published on Monday, the six-time Major winner said he was not bothered about the possibility of being frozen out of PGA Tour events for good.
The American, 52, was suspended by the United States-based PGA Tour in 2022 defect to the controversial LIV circuit.
He embraced LIV – his contract with the circuit is reportedly worth US$200 million (S$263 million) – despite telling an American journalist its Saudi backers were “scary” with a “horrible” human rights record.
Mickelson had said in June 2022 he hoped to play on the PGA Tour again. However, in his remarks to Sports Illustrated, the veteran said he was now indifferent to playing on the circuit again.
“If I were never to play another PGA Tour event, I’m totally at peace with it,” Mickelson said.
He said that while he believes pending litigation against the PGA Tour may allow him to legally return to the circuit, he planned to “scale down” his number of events while prioritising the Majors.
“I’m motivated but I don’t see the benefit to playing more,” the 45-time PGA Tour winner said.
“The tournaments where you are going to leave a mark are the Majors. That creates a life memory. If I win another Tour event, who cares? It’s not like it’s going to do anything for how I look at my career. Another Major would be a unique, special moment.
“That’s really where I want to thrive. It would mean a lot to win some LIV events due to the role I’ve played as it’s been created.”
The Masters in April has already announced that it will allow LIV golfers to compete in the 2023 tournament. Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel are the former Masters champions of this group.
Mickelson, once seen as a virtual certainty to be a US Ryder Cup captain at some point, added that he would be fine not being part of the biennial team tournament again.
“I’ve loved being part of the Ryder Cup as a player 12 times and as a vice-captain once,” he said.
“I’ve had more great experiences than probably anybody. If I’m not a part of it, I’m at peace with that as well. And I’m proud of the role I’ve played in that.
“And the role in creating change and integrating player input and involvement. Having more continuity from year to year.
“I like seeing us play our best golf in the Ryder Cup, even if I’m not ever part of it again.”
Mickelson also agreed there could be an uneasy atmosphere at the Champions Dinner at the Masters at Augusta National, where staunch critics of LIV Golf, including Tiger Woods, will dine alongside some of the upstart circuit’s biggest names.
Asked if he anticipated awkwardness or unpleasantness at the dinner, he added: “There very well could be, but not on my part.
“I’m very comfortable with where I’m at. I really do love the Masters and how it gives kids at a young age something to dream about and aspire to.
“It’s a very special place that brings out emotions and excitement. I’m looking forward to going back and being a part of it.” AFP
