Phil Mickelson is arguably one of the most controversial active golfers these days. Ever since he turned his back on the PGA Tour to play on the Saudi-backed circuit, he has been under constant scrutiny for his choices.

The golfing community, especially admirers and loyalists of the American circuit, haven’t been particularly kind to the 53-year-old golfer, especially since he missed the cut at the US Open at LACC. There was also some backlash when he was spotted practicing his rounds at Royal Liverpool days before the 2023 Open Championship. But what really got people’s attention is his attire on the first day of the 151st event.

Phil Mickelson’s collarless attire made a statement

Lefty arrived at the first tee shot drabbed in a full-sleeved, greyish, warm shirt. It was nothing like the usual golf attire; no collar, no buttons. It wasn’t a polo shirt or the hoodies so generously propagated by Tiger Woods. Rather, it was a simple, round-necked, full-sleeved, slightly form-fitting t-shirt.

It wasn’t the kind of attire one would wear on a lazy Sunday afternoon at the country club, much less at one of the oldest tournaments in golf. But Mickelson pulled it off with poise for he was making a statement. As per the Telegraph, Phil Mickelson had an agenda for his unconventional attire that he donned at one of the most prestigious events in the golfing cosmos.

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The t-shirt that he wore was not only against the predominant golfing values but it advertised his LIV Golf team. The logo on the left side of his chest and on his hat is the same controversial symbol for which he is facing a lawsuit from Cool Brand Supplies. The ‘H’ formed in between two back-to-back ‘F’s is the emblem for his team the HyFlyers GC for which Mickelson is the captain.

Normally, the neutral color and the full sleeves could be chalked up to the relatively cold weather in England. However, the boldness of his non-conformity drew the attention of golfers and fans alike.

The intent behind Mickelson’s off-track attire

Ever since his induction into LIV Golf, the six-time major winner has been criticized. Couple that with a million-dollar lawsuit and the constant controversies surrounding LIV Golf, his gameplay at the Royal Liverpool came as quite a shock. He intended to use the opportunity to demystify some of the stereotypical expectations of the golfing world and stand his ground.

The three-time Masters winner wanted the golf world to recognize that LIV Golf is just as much a part of the sport’s community as the other Tours. He also wanted to convey the Saudi-PIF circuit’s main agenda to revolutionize the sport with bold statements. The golfers who are allowed to wear shorts for comfy gameplay on the 54-hole circuit are adapting to new conventions, which is what Mickelson hoped to convey with his relatively off-beat choice of clothes.

What did you think of Mickelson’s choice of attire at the Open Championship? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

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