‘Lot Less Anxiety:’ Phil Mickelson Bluntly Ends His Off-Court Obligations- No Merger Updates, Career Prioritized

Phil Mickelson admits what has long been said in close quarters. The Lefty’s form has taken a hit because of “all of the LIV disruption and being at the center of a lot of that.” The veteran golfer joined the PIF-funded side as the oldest Major winner. But since then, Mickelson has struggled to find his footing on the breakaway side.

Barring the Bedminster event, the veteran golfer failed to break into the top 10 last season. In 11 of the 14 LIV Golf events, the Lefty was out of the top 20 as well. The only standout performance came not in his newfound home but at Augusta, where the 53-year-old settled for the second spot tied with fellow LIV Golf captain, Brooks Koepka. Things, however, will change this year, hints Mickelson in his latest interview with LIV Golf.

Phil Mickelson zeroes in on his performance on the greens

Mickelson, however, knew that the first two years were going to be helter-skelter. In the last two years, the 46-time PGA Tour winner had a bone to pick with a number of people, including Rory McIlroy, former Sports Illustrated author Alan Shipnuck, and LIV Golf critic, Brandel Chamblee. The Lefty admits, “There have been a lot of things that have taken away the single-minded focus on my game that is needed for me to play my best.” Mickelson ended up in the 39th position on the individual leaderboard, whereas his team, HyFylers GC, settled for the ninth spot in the LIV Golf table.

On top of that, the six-time Major winner was the team’s captain. Mickelson adds, “Being a captain and having some ancillary responsibilities,” has also taken his focus away. Captains of LIV Golf are also part owners of the team. So, the 53-year-old had to focus on the next transfers, sponsorships, and myriad other things in addition. 

Nevertheless, the Arizona native hopes to have more fireworks inside the ropes rather than outside. “Now that things are starting to settle, a lot of that responsibility that I have felt – or obligation that I have felt to create this positive change in the game – is diminishing for me. I’m able to focus on golf more. I have a lot less stress, a lot less anxiety,” Mickelson told LIV Golf. 

The reason for this optimism is that the 2021 PGA Championship winner believes golf’s civil war is going to end soon. In fact, his only advice to disgruntled fans was to be patient and wait for a change.

Mickelson sees the light at the end of the tunnel

The perception around LIV Golf has drastically changed over the past year. From Rory McIlroy to Jack Nicklaus, who called the upstart league a ‘powerful addition,” LIV Golf has carved its unique place in the traditional golf world. 

Read More: From ‘Irrational Threat’ to ‘Powerful Addition’: Has LIV Golf Finally Become More Than a Punchline?

Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner has reportedly traveled to Saudi Arabia for a face-to-face meeting with PIF Chief Yasir Al Rumayyan. The two sides, as Keith Pelley, the departing European Tour CEO, hinted, could reach an agreement before the Masters. So, if Phil Mickelson feels his job is done here, no one is going to ask him for more.

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