“Can’t Replace a Legend”- The Staggering Absence of 2013 Scottish Open Winner Phil Mickelson Causes an Online Turmoil Among Fans

The Genesis Scottish Open 2023 is currently underway, and already fans are going wild about the golfers who made the cut after Round 2. This is their final chance to earn contention into the Open Championship next week. Rory McIlroy, who won the 2014 Open Championship, finished at T1 after round 2 of the GSO.

Despite top players dominating the leaderboard at the Scottish Open, fans are still missing a key golfer; a legend who left behind a mark on the PGA Tour and the European Tour!

The 2013 Scottish Open winner is missing on the greens

Phil Mickelson is arguably one of the greatest golfers of his time. ‘Lefty’ was not only the winner of the 2013 Scottish Open, but he followed that victory with a golfer’s lifelong dream of adding a win at The Open Championship to his profile.

Also Read: Despite His Controversial ‘Leverage’ Switch to LIV Golf, Phil Mickelson Maintains His $96,577,701 Status on the PGA Tour

Sadly, with his altered schedule with LIV Golf, the epic golfer is now missing in action to reclaim his title from almost a decade ago. It would have been an excellent boost to his career as well as an example of how Mickelson is a golfing star no matter what tournament he is associated with. LIV Golf Nation also tweeted about his non-appearance.

Despite PGA Tour loyalists being happy to have Rory McIlroy leading the charge, Mickelson fans are inordinately feeling his absence at the Renaissance Club. LIV Golfers were allowed to partake in the events this year and the six-time Major Championship winner missed the cut in the US Open 2023, then completely chose to focus his attention on the Saudi-backed Tour.

Fans had hoped he would return to the European Tour events if not the PGA Tour, but the three-time Masters Champion seems happy where he is. He shared his views on his life with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, fans were still hoping to see a showdown between the $400-million golfer and his cohorts from the American and European tours.

The absence of Phil Mickelson unravels fans

The Captain of LIV Golf’s HyFlyers GC has garnered a massive fan following in his 53 years. The golfer who mimicked his father’s swing at only 18 months old was a prodigy in the sport, and he never disappointed.

Therefore, not seeing him in the Scottish Open, exactly a decade after his previous victory in 2013, is upsetting for his fans. “Can’t replace a legend,” one fan reminded upon seeing LIV Golf Nation’s tweet:

While another fan commented, “Golf is better with Michelson. The interviews are as good as his game.”

Many fans were outspoken about the missing champion. His admirers realize just how empty the field seems even with some of the best contenders out there:

While some fans showed their support for his choice:

Some fans are outraged, not as haters but because they miss him so much. Their anger and regret at not seeing him as much on the links are imminent in their words:

While others pointed out one of the reasons Lefty chose to walk over to the PIF-backed circuit:

Phil Mickelson defected to LIV Golf last year with a massive invite from the Saudi PIF, because he wanted to play fewer games and refine his strategy on the 54-hole circuit. He appears satisfied with his choice, but fans can’t help but miss the prolific golfer killing it on the 72-hole championships where he made a name for himself since his early days.

What are your thoughts on Phil Mickelson missing the Genesis Scottish Open? Share your thoughts and comments with us below.

Watch this story: Despite Being With LIV Golf for Over a Year, Phil Mickelson Successfully Dominates the PGA Tour With His $96,577,701 Earnings and Is Behind Only One Golfer