As Rory McIlroy Threatens His $96M Record, Phil Mickelson Doubles Down on a Crucial Career Decision

Phil Mickelson is riding the golf cart to his retirement. So, what’s next for him? His post-retirement plans ought to be interesting because he has already snubbed broadcasting as a choice. Well, the golfer just revealed his plans: Pros vs. Schmos. Michelson took to X to share a taste of what fans can expect after he appeared to be shooting for its first episode.

“Here’s a taste of what’s coming soon in Pros vs Schmos. It’s 2 Pros Vs 2 Schmos. You will see good golf, a heavy dose of bad golf plus some instruction and an abundance of banter. The quality can be better but it’ll improve. It’s my first one,” he wrote on X. He also posted a video. In the 14-second clip, ‘Lefty’ joked, “I feel like we’re in the episode of Seinfeld, the Bizarro world.”

The 53-year-old was referring to the third episode from season 8 of Seinfeld, where George Costanza and Cosmo Kramer meet their doppelgangers but they are the total opposite of each other. 

His friend and LIV Golf colleague, Brendan Steele, who was featured in the video, replied, “Yeah, up is down, down is up. You say goodbye when you arrive, hello when you leave.” Mickelson was thoroughly perplexed by Steele’s response as both laughed. Mickelson replied, “What? That’s what I feel is happening.” Well, Mickelson’s goodbye to Golf will be his ‘hello’ to a new career on YouTube. 

Phil Mickelson earlier clarified that he would be very interested in playing 9-hole matches, with insightful commentaries along the way. That response came after one fan floated the idea of Mickelson moving to broadcasting. The 45-time PGA Tour winner replied, “However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack.”

In fact, Ian Poulter was ready to sign up. Lamenting their ruined chances facing each other as Ryder Cup captains, the Englishman wrote, “I’m happy to be the Schmos if you like.. just like we could have been Ryder Cup Captains against each other. Which ain’t happening now. So name the place and time and I will bring the I’m all in Just put those calf muscles away. Tartans trousers only.”

PGA Tour Pro Wesley Bryan and his brother George Bryan IV, both of whom have a YouTube channel called ‘Bryan Bros Golf’ and played in the Myrtle Beach Classic recently, also chimed in. Wesley responded to Mickelson’s tweet with these simple words and tagged his brother in his reply, “Count us in @bryanbrosgolf.” George, on the other hand, threw in a suggestion for an episode: “What about pros vs. YouTubers?? Ok, see you soon.”

Mickelson carried on the fun banter and replied to the younger Bryan brother’s tweet, “Ok but no strokes for you guys. Only true schmos. I feel like this would be more of a pros vs pros match. Which is cool, too.”

Ultimately, it appears, Mickelson will start his journey with his close friend Steele. They both have played practice matches before. And Steele has credited Mickelson for a lot of help in his golf career. But while Mickelson acknowledges that his career is coming to an end, there is a PGA Tour player who is busy catching up to Mickelson’s record. Yes, it is Rory McIlroy!

Rory McIlroy looks to one-up Phil Mickelson soon

Lefty first talked about retirement in a chat with Haslinda Amin of Bloomberg. “I’m 53 now. and my career, you know, it’s — if I’m being truthful, it’s on — it’s — it’s — I’m a — it’s towards its end.” The veteran golfer has only been in the top ten twice since last May. At the Masters, Lefty tied for 43rd.

The lack of OWGR points has also pushed Mickelson outside of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking. The six-time Major winner was 80th last May and now he is 160th. On top of that, Rory McIlroy is closing the gap on the PGA Tour money list.

Phil Mickelson has $96 million in career earnings, standing second right behind Tiger Woods, courtesy of 45 career wins and 536 cuts made. But McIlroy, after his fourth Wells Fargo Championship title, is just $10 million away from Lefty.

At 35, the Ulsterman has plenty of time to usurp Mickelson from the second spot. Apart from the career earnings, the Northern Irishman’s contribution to the American circuit was also rewarded with $15 million through the PGA Tours Play Impact Program that was announced back in November 2023.

However, per reports, the oldest major winner earned $200 million in guaranteed contract by joining LIV. Both are two-time PGA Championship winners, and both will head toward Valhalla this week to increase their tally. Will McIlroy finally be able to put an end to his 10-year-major drought and also take Mickelson’s spot on the PGA Tour money list? It remains to be seen.