Callaway-LIV Golf Alliance Rumors Send Phil Mickelson and the Golf World Into a Frenzy: ‘What a Great Idea’

PIF to buy TopGolf Callaway? No one knows the possibilities yet, but Phil Mickelson definitely wants that to happen. In fact, the 45-time PGA Tour winner ‘prays’ for that. To whom, though, some fans asked? The Internet has been rife with rumors of TopGolf Callaway selling its manufacturing business. And it looks like Mickelson would much prefer if LIV Golf backer PIF bought the equipment giant. This will unlock new business potential, he feels. But fans are not so sure if that’s a realistic vision or just a pipe dream.

Phil Mickelson wants PIF to purchase TopGolf Callaway

The South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily first reported Callaway stakeholders, including BlackRock, and Providence Equity are exploring the possibilities of selling off the hardware and goods business. Instead, they want solely to focus on the TopGolf driving ranges. Callaway since then has denied the speculations.

But, Robert Ball, who goes by the name Bob ‘Golf’ Ball on X (formerly Twitter), explored the possibilities of PIF buying the equipment giant. Ball, a real estate developer from Oregon, made waves in social media after analyzing the PIF-PGA Tour framework agreement and for his outspoken criticism against the PGA Tour’s top brass.

Robert Ball saw the twin benefits of LIV Golf’s investment in Callaway. Firstly, that will bring in young fans to LIV through TopGolf venues. Secondly, it will be a direct “counter-alliance” against Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s holy trinity of TGL, Popstroke, and TaylorMade. Phil Mickelson thinks it’s a sound idea as any. The Lefty tweeted, “I haven’t heard anything about this but what a great idea and I pray this happens.”

Now, Phil Mickelson’s partnership with Callaway went along the same lines as Tiger Woods’s partnership with Nike. They were associated for a long time: Woods was 27 years old, and the lefty 19 years. But in January, the veteran golfer announced, “I am no longer sponsored by Callaway Golf but have maintained a great relationship with everyone there.” That, coupled with his recent tweet, has got fans intrigued.

The golf community is perplexed by the proposal

Some users were quick to point out that “Only the club division is for sale.” Not the TopGolf venues. On the contrary, their acquisition pattern over the past few decades shows that they are heavily invested in virtual golf. Golf.com reported that Callaway first invested in TopGolf in 2006, eventually raising their stakes to 14% in 2018. Two years later, the two sides merged, and the very next year, Callaway acquired the company for $2.66 billion.

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But why does Mickelson want this to happen? Some fans were curious. One of them asked, “Why? Legit question. Just wondering what its greater impact is other than to bolster LIV somehow, or is that it?” Some of them wondered if Phil Mickelson had bought any shares. “How many shares do you have Phil? Warrants??” asked this user. One fan, however, went beyond that by asking if the LIV Golf Pro knew this beforehand, would it be considered, “insider trading”?

Some of them asked who Phil Mickelson prayed to. Will he pitch this to Greg Norman or directly to PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan? That’s what they wanted to know. “Who do you pray to Phil?” asked one fan.

On a side note, a section of the fans wondered why no brand has signed Phil Mickelson since his split with Callaway. Some floated the idea that Callaway might sponsor him again. “Phil – I am surprised an equipment sponsor has signed you yet. Maybe Callaway will again?”

There is no answer for that either. Phil Mickelson currently has a bag mixed with Callaway & TaylorMade gear. As for PIF buying TopGolf Callaway, the seller first needs to be willing. It remains to be seen if they change their mind anytime soon.

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