Despite Teammate’s Probable PGA Tour Shunning, Oblivious Phil Mickelson Darts Towards LIV Merger’s ‘Game Plan’

The tensions are slowly building up in the golf world owing to the LIV Golf Team Championship in Miami. And many, including Phil Mickelson, are aiming for ultimate glory. However, surprisingly, during all this, his attention is on a completely different matter!

Despite narrowly surviving past Brooks Koepka and Co. in the quarterfinals on Friday, the ‘Lefty’ was left sporting a smile in the press conference that followed. He was visibly happy as he went ahead to describe LIV Golf as a better product in the sport, even when his teammate was facing an unclear future ahead of him!

Phil Mickelson shares his thoughts on the future of LIV Golf

Losing a match would usually not warrant a happy reaction from the loser. Moreover, having a team member, James Piot, be relegated from the circuit would certainly not call for it. However, Mickelson, who lost out on the singles against Koepka 6&4, was not frustrated, as he was seen in a jubilant mood owing to the bright future that lies ahead for the Saudi-backed league.

In an exclusive interview after the quarterfinals, the 53-year-old was asked about the statement he made earlier that week about more talents coming to the circuit. The 6X major winner recounted a quote made by PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne, who indicated how LIV Golf can “in five years…gut us (PGA Tour).”

Continuing on his response, the American said, “We’ll just keep getting better and better and getting better and better players, and that’s the game plan, and I love the commitment,” all the while expressing his excitement and love for the PIF-funded circuit. However, he made sure to point out how the merger between the two tours “kind of opens the door for” better talent to jump while alluding to the number of calls he received from agents from both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

However, such a moment of happiness truly raises questions as to whether the skipper is oblivious to his teammate’s situation, a setback like no other for Piot.

Is the future bleak for Mickelson’s teammate, James Piot?

As soon as the tournament in Jeddah finished with Koepka winning the crown, four players, including HyFlyers member Chase Koepka, Jed Morgan, and Sihwan Kim, were relegated from the next season of 2024 owing to their being in the ‘Drop Zone’. However, his woes don’t end there, as the golfer might not even earn a PGA Tour card because he joined the PIF-funded league.

ALSO READ – Jake Paul Lures Out Brooks Koepka’s Secret Behind the LIV Golf Defection With Phil Mickelson and Its Not the 9-Figure Deal!

The professional received a sum of $1 million as a signing fee for joining the Middle Eastern circuit. Well, one can only hope for the 25-year-old’s future as the golf world waits for what the merger will entail.

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