Back in June 2022, Phil Mickelson was one of the first influential players to join the LIV Golf Series. He has faced much criticism since, with fans still remembering reports tying his name with money laundering. Such things have somewhat tarnished his PGA Tour legacy.

He was also banned from his home tour for attempting to recruit players for LIV. Despite all this, Mickelson has stayed put on his decision, recently claiming his move benefitted countless golfers involved.

Phil Mickelson received appreciation from both sides

Even during his PGA days, Mickelson was widely outspoken on the playing conditions of the tour and demanded a major increase in the prize money structure. This had led to multiple conflicts between the player and the association.

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In a recent exclusive with Sports Illustrated, Mickelson revealed how the concept of LIV Golf had made life better for both the rebel league and the PGA Tour players. “Yes, numerous [players have reached out]. And I’m very appreciative,” the six-time major champion said.

“They are from both sides. I think players on both sides of LIV and the PGA Tour are appreciative of what is happening. Every player is benefiting.”

Why are players switching from PGA to LIV?

PIF (Public Investment Fund), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, founded LIV Golf Series in 2021. The tour has brought a transition in golf’s centenarian format, with 54-hole shotgun starts, no-cut tournaments, and lucrative contracts and purses on offer.

A number of high-profile PGA Tour players have switched sides of late. Joining Mickelson were former Major Championships winners, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Lee Westwood, among many others. Recently, Australian golfer Cameron Smith, who clinched the 2022 Open Championship, joined the LIV ranks for a fee worth $100 million.

To counter the exodus of players joining LIV, the PGA Tour has increased the incentives for next season. This includes larger tournament purses and a guaranteed $500,000 for all exempt members. Many of these inducements, however, are believed to have been influenced by the conditions of LIV Golf, with Greg Norman mocking his counterpart Jay Monahan on social media.

Back to Phil Mickelson, the 52-YO believes the changes in PGA Tour wouldn’t have come into effect without LIV. “I don’t think anything like that would have happened without the leverage that LIV Golf has provided,” he said. “There was no leverage. There were no other options.”

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The LIV series continues to bloom with its fourth event at the International Golf Club in Boston. On the other hand, the new PGA season will tee off on September 15 with the Fortinet Championship in California.

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