‘All Players Should Have the Right to Play’: Phil Mickelson Makes a Bold Statement About PGA Tour and LIV Golf

Many golfers have resigned from the PGA Tour to play in the LIV Golf Invitational Series to help themselves from disciplinary actions the Tour is likely to impose. However, the 6-time major winning champion Phil Mickelson has decided not to give up his membership. And he has a strong reason for it. 

“I’ve earned it,” Mickelson explained why he won’t give up his PGA Tour membership. The golfer shared his thoughts on the topic during the press meet before the inaugural LIV Golf event. 

“I believe all players should have the right to play whenever and wherever they want,” he added. “… which is consistent with being an independent contractor.” 

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Despite the Tour rejecting the applications for their releases, many players chose to play at the Invitational Series that starts on June 9. As a result, the PGA has stated that it will take disciplinary actions against them. Following this, many, including Dustin Johnson, Kevin Na, and Sergio Garcia, gave up their Tour membership. 

While Mickelson explained that he respects the decision of the others, he will not resign from the PGA. “As a lifetime member, I’m not required to play 15 events; I don’t have to play any,” the golfer said. Furthermore, he added, “I don’t see the reason to give that up.”

Is Phil Mickelson eligible to get a lifetime PGA Tour membership? 

A player has to win at least 20 championships and play 15 or more seasons on the Tour to obtain a lifetime membership. In Mickelson’s case, he has won 45 titles. He has also been playing on the Tour for 30 years, making him more than eligible to earn a lifetime PGA Tour membership. 

However, as the 2021 PGA Championship winner, he doesn’t need to use it until the 2025-26 season as he has an exemption until then. Notably, only Vijay Singh and Davis Love III use the status to play on the Tour. 

Interestingly, Dustin Johnson could have the same leverage if he had completed playing the 2022 season. He won his 20th title in 2019 at the WGC- Mexico Championship. Notably, the 2019-20 season was Johnson’s 12th season playing on the Tour. 

Many who joined the LIV Golf gave up their membership from the Tour. Yet, Phil Mickelson is adamant not to do the same, as he believes the independent contractors have the leverage to play wherever they want. He also has a lifetime membership on the Tour, making him more confident that he will not face any problems. What are your thoughts on it? 

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