Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope… full details below š»š»
Phil Mickelsonās admission that LIV Golf has made him fresher for major tournaments may put Rory McIlroy on notice after his āhard slogā comment.
A tectonic shift battered professional golf in 2022, when the Saudi Arabian PIF-backed LIV Golf emerged to compete against the old guard PGA Tour, stealing away some of the sportās top names, notably Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm, as well as a host of other major champions.
SIMILAR ARTICLES TO THIS
Powered by
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Comments
Rory McIlroy makes key PGA Tour decision for 2025 after 10 years without a major
Rory McIlroy makes key PGA Tour decision for 2025 after 10 years without a major
Comments
Axed LIV Golf star set sights on making Tour return after being dumped from breakaway league
Axed LIV Golf star set sights on making Tour return after being dumped from breakaway league
Comments
Rory McIlroyās Saudi demand to come true after PGA Tour’s āĀ£1bn agreementā with LIV Golf
Rory McIlroyās Saudi demand to come true after PGA Tour’s āĀ£1bn agreementā with LIV Golf
Comments
Rory McIlroy breaks silence on PGA Tour’s ‘Ā£1 billon deal’ with LIV Golf claim
Rory McIlroy breaks silence on PGA Tour’s ‘Ā£1 billon deal’ with LIV Golf claim
Comments
Rory McIlroy makes remarkable Donald Trump and LIV Golf claim: ‘This clears the way’
Rory McIlroy makes remarkable Donald Trump and LIV Golf claim: ‘This clears the way’
Comments
‘The Match’ lineup confirmed without any LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars
‘The Match’ lineup confirmed without any LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars
Comments
Ex-Ryder Cup captain predicts bleak future for PGA Tour and LIV Golf after āĀ£1 bn peace deal agreedā
Ex-Ryder Cup captain predicts bleak future for PGA Tour and LIV Golf after āĀ£1 bn peace deal agreedā
Comments
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren reunite for son’s golf tournament as PGA Tour return grows closer
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren reunite for son’s golf tournament as PGA Tour return grows closer
Comments
Inside Greg Normanās leadership as LIV Golf boss sent clear message over being replaced
Inside Greg Normanās leadership as LIV Golf boss sent clear message over being replaced
Comments
Rory McIlroy has 7 key challengers at DP World Tour playoff including 3 LIV Golf stars
Rory McIlroy has 7 key challengers at DP World Tour playoff including 3 LIV Golf stars
Comments
Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope
Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope
Comments
Three LIV Golf stars set for Ā£8 million DP World Tour finale as Jon Rahm skips event
Three LIV Golf stars set for Ā£8 million DP World Tour finale as Jon Rahm skips event
Comments
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2 million payout as LIV Golf star denied on Tour return
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2 million payout as LIV Golf star denied on Tour return
Comments
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Comments
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Comments
PGA Tour star disqualified from Ā£5.5m event over rule break after sponsor exemption
PGA Tour star disqualified from Ā£5.5m event over rule break after sponsor exemption
Comments
Tommy Fleetwood ‘bored’ of Rory McIlroy as Ryder Cup pal’s errors open door for victory
Tommy Fleetwood ‘bored’ of Rory McIlroy as Ryder Cup pal’s errors open door for victory
Comments
‘I’m two-time Masters champion but have taken on very different new golf role’
‘I’m two-time Masters champion but have taken on very different new golf role’
Comments
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Comments
Rory McIlroy makes key PGA Tour decision for 2025 after 10 years without a major
Rory McIlroy makes key PGA Tour decision for 2025 after 10 years without a major
Comments
Axed LIV Golf star set sights on making Tour return after being dumped from breakaway league
Axed LIV Golf star set sights on making Tour return after being dumped from breakaway league
Comments
Rory McIlroyās Saudi demand to come true after PGA Tour’s āĀ£1bn agreementā with LIV Golf
Rory McIlroyās Saudi demand to come true after PGA Tour’s āĀ£1bn agreementā with LIV Golf
Comments
Rory McIlroy breaks silence on PGA Tour’s ‘Ā£1 billon deal’ with LIV Golf claim
Rory McIlroy breaks silence on PGA Tour’s ‘Ā£1 billon deal’ with LIV Golf claim
Comments
Rory McIlroy makes remarkable Donald Trump and LIV Golf claim: ‘This clears the way’
Rory McIlroy makes remarkable Donald Trump and LIV Golf claim: ‘This clears the way’
Comments
‘The Match’ lineup confirmed without any LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars
‘The Match’ lineup confirmed without any LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars
Comments
Ex-Ryder Cup captain predicts bleak future for PGA Tour and LIV Golf after āĀ£1 bn peace deal agreedā
Ex-Ryder Cup captain predicts bleak future for PGA Tour and LIV Golf after āĀ£1 bn peace deal agreedā
Comments
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren reunite for son’s golf tournament as PGA Tour return grows closer
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren reunite for son’s golf tournament as PGA Tour return grows closer
Comments
Inside Greg Normanās leadership as LIV Golf boss sent clear message over being replaced
Inside Greg Normanās leadership as LIV Golf boss sent clear message over being replaced
Comments
Rory McIlroy has 7 key challengers at DP World Tour playoff including 3 LIV Golf stars
Rory McIlroy has 7 key challengers at DP World Tour playoff including 3 LIV Golf stars
Comments
Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope
Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope
Comments
Three LIV Golf stars set for Ā£8 million DP World Tour finale as Jon Rahm skips event
Three LIV Golf stars set for Ā£8 million DP World Tour finale as Jon Rahm skips event
Comments
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2 million payout as LIV Golf star denied on Tour return
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2 million payout as LIV Golf star denied on Tour return
Comments
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Comments
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Comments
PGA Tour star disqualified from Ā£5.5m event over rule break after sponsor exemption
PGA Tour star disqualified from Ā£5.5m event over rule break after sponsor exemption
Comments
Tommy Fleetwood ‘bored’ of Rory McIlroy as Ryder Cup pal’s errors open door for victory
Tommy Fleetwood ‘bored’ of Rory McIlroy as Ryder Cup pal’s errors open door for victory
Comments
‘I’m two-time Masters champion but have taken on very different new golf role’
‘I’m two-time Masters champion but have taken on very different new golf role’
Comments
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Comments
Rory McIlroy makes key PGA Tour decision for 2025 after 10 years without a major
Rory McIlroy makes key PGA Tour decision for 2025 after 10 years without a major
Comments
Axed LIV Golf star set sights on making Tour return after being dumped from breakaway league
Axed LIV Golf star set sights on making Tour return after being dumped from breakaway league
Comments
Rory McIlroyās Saudi demand to come true after PGA Tour’s āĀ£1bn agreementā with LIV Golf
Rory McIlroyās Saudi demand to come true after PGA Tour’s āĀ£1bn agreementā with LIV Golf
Comments
Rory McIlroy breaks silence on PGA Tour’s ‘Ā£1 billon deal’ with LIV Golf claim
Rory McIlroy breaks silence on PGA Tour’s ‘Ā£1 billon deal’ with LIV Golf claim
Comments
Rory McIlroy makes remarkable Donald Trump and LIV Golf claim: ‘This clears the way’
Rory McIlroy makes remarkable Donald Trump and LIV Golf claim: ‘This clears the way’
Comments
‘The Match’ lineup confirmed without any LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars
‘The Match’ lineup confirmed without any LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars
Comments
Ex-Ryder Cup captain predicts bleak future for PGA Tour and LIV Golf after āĀ£1 bn peace deal agreedā
Ex-Ryder Cup captain predicts bleak future for PGA Tour and LIV Golf after āĀ£1 bn peace deal agreedā
Comments
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren reunite for son’s golf tournament as PGA Tour return grows closer
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren reunite for son’s golf tournament as PGA Tour return grows closer
Comments
Inside Greg Normanās leadership as LIV Golf boss sent clear message over being replaced
Inside Greg Normanās leadership as LIV Golf boss sent clear message over being replaced
Comments
Rory McIlroy has 7 key challengers at DP World Tour playoff including 3 LIV Golf stars
Rory McIlroy has 7 key challengers at DP World Tour playoff including 3 LIV Golf stars
Comments
Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope
Phil Mickelson’s comments speak volumes as Rory McIlroy raises issue after LIV Golf hope
Comments
Three LIV Golf stars set for Ā£8 million DP World Tour finale as Jon Rahm skips event
Three LIV Golf stars set for Ā£8 million DP World Tour finale as Jon Rahm skips event
Comments
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2 million payout as LIV Golf star denied on Tour return
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2 million payout as LIV Golf star denied on Tour return
Comments
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Comments
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Comments
PGA Tour star disqualified from Ā£5.5m event over rule break after sponsor exemption
PGA Tour star disqualified from Ā£5.5m event over rule break after sponsor exemption
Comments
Tommy Fleetwood ‘bored’ of Rory McIlroy as Ryder Cup pal’s errors open door for victory
Tommy Fleetwood ‘bored’ of Rory McIlroy as Ryder Cup pal’s errors open door for victory
Comments
‘I’m two-time Masters champion but have taken on very different new golf role’
‘I’m two-time Masters champion but have taken on very different new golf role’
Comments
McIlroy was one of golfās finest who stood firm and lashed out at those abandoning the tour, but as years have gone by, a resolution and merger between the two parties teeters on being sorted. The North Irishmanās stance has, therefore, weakened, and he has even become critical of his own circuit.
Describing the PGA Tour’s calendar as a āhard slogā as he debates withdrawing from the RBC Heritage, one of the breakaway golfers, six-time major winner Mickelson, shed light on his decision to jump ship – giving McIlroy something to think about.
Tyrrell Hatton falls short of Ā£1.2m payout as LIV star denied on Tour return
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
Having been fined Ā£2.3million in 2023 for missing the Heritage, McIlroy took aim at the PGA this month when describing their packed and tiresome schedule.
“There’s a few tournaments that I played this year that I don’t usually play and that I might not play next year,” McIlroy told the Daily Telegraph. “Well, at this point in my career, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years. I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well. Look I’ve done the hard slog, I’ve done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. I’m not getting any younger.”
Adversary Mickleson used this exact fact to rally for LIV, and explain his choice to switch sides, taking to social media to describe how the rival outfit has left him feeling fresher for major titles.
No caption
McIlroy has not won a major title in 10 years ( Image: (Image: Getty))
āLove LIV or hate it, itās the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact,ā Mickelson wrote on X in 2023.
Perhaps the similarities between what McIlroy wishes for and what LIV provides could balance out to form the perfect medium if the proposed merger – that saw negotiations begin in 2023 – were to come to fruition. McIlroy also spoke out about his hopes for the merger this month.
US presidential election winner Donald Trump took to the Let’s Go podcast, saying it would take him “the better part of 15 minutesā to sort of this “golf civil war.” McIlroy hopefully responded.
“Given what’s happened, I think that [Trump winning] clears the way a little bit,” McIlroy told reporters after Trumpās victory. “He might be able to. He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him.
“We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is. Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?ā
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
Ā£46 (was Ā£56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves Ā£240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky
Get the deal here
READ NEXT:
Former world number 1 Jason Day explains why LIV Golf refused to offer him a contract
Jon Rahm opts not to enter one of favorite tournaments as LIV Golf fine row rumbles on
Pat Perez moved on, Viktor Hovland signed ā Dustin Johnson’s dream LIV Golf team
Charlie Woods compared to superstar father Tiger as coach gives honest feedback
Rory McIlroy misses out on huge Ā£1.2m windfall ahead of final event of season
FollowMirror
X (Twitter)
Comment
MORE ON
Sky Sports
Elon Musk
Rory McIlroy
Donald Trump
Dustin Johnson
Phil Mickelson
LIV Golf
PGA Tour
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories
Enter your email…
Sign up
Up Next
Former world number 1 Jason Day explains why LIV Golf refused to offer him a contract
HomeSportGolfPhil Mickelson
Top Stories
END OF AN EARA: Gary Lineker to QUIT Match of the Day as shock BBC exit date revealed – nine huge stars that could replace him as presenter
Gary Lineker
Megan Fox confirms she’s pregnant with astonishing bump picture
Megan Fox
Brit mum-of-two bleeds to death during weight loss surgery in Turkey
Botched
GMB star slammed for ‘disgusting’ Kate observation – ‘why has she aged so much?’
Kate Middleton
England face injury crisis as EIGHT players pull out of squad
Lee Carsley
JUNGLE READY: I’m A Celebrity full line-up unveiled in stunning first pictures as stars break silence on worst fears for show – ‘I’m TERRIFIED of snakes’
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here
Liz Earle’s ‘gorgeous’ 2024 beauty advent calendar is worth Ā£178 but costs less than Ā£80
Advent calendars
I’m a Celebrity LIVE as two major stars ‘confirmed’ as late arrivals
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here
Snow map shows exactly when Britain faces up to 18 inches as whole of UK hit
Snow
BBC could go down unlikely route in search for Gary Lineker replacement
Match of the Day
I’m A Celeb’s Tulisa says jungle ‘isn’t a career move’ as she reveals real reason for doing ITV show
Tulisa Contostavlos
Strictly star breaks down live on air as she admits ‘I’m gutted’ after heartbreaking exit
Strictly Come Dancing
Popular Topics
News
Weird News
Travel
Tech
Politics
Showbiz
Life & Style
Mums
Football
Family
Money
Film
TV
Sport
Fashion
TeamDogs
Motoring
Subscribe
Newsletter preference centre
Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers
Subscribe to tablet edition
Our Partners
Beauty Box Subscription
Yimbly Shop
Mirror Bingo
mynewsassistant
Crosswords, Puzzles & Games
Betting
Free Bets
Partner Stories
Support
How to Complain
Notifications and alerts help
Corrections and Clarificat
ions
Company
About Us
Work for us
Contact Us
Irish Mirror
Syndication & Licensing
Sell your story
Resources
Marketplace
Find a local business
Find a job
Shop
InYourArea
Ā©2024 a Reach plc subsidiary
Do not sell or share my dataPrivacy NoticeAI NoticeCookie NoticeTerms and ConditionsCommunity Standards