Scottie Scheffler managed to pull off an exceptional 2024 season. However, it was not always rainbows and butterflies. The World No. 1 did see himself dropping on the leaderboard in some of his finishes – with his worst being a T41 at the US Open in June, and a T33 at the BMW Championship in August. Golfing legend Phil Mickelson gave his prediction as to why this sudden drop came along the way. Lefty stated that, unlike LIV Golf, the PGA Tour has a rather tight schedule, leaving the players with no breaks, utterly exhausted. “Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors.”

Delivering a pointed statement, Mickelson explained: “Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh, and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations.” He also noted that with 14 LIV events scheduled for 2023, there will be 34 weeks available for players to sharpen their skills for major competitions. But months after the criticism, the 54 YO acknowledged Scottie Scheffler’s great run.

Golf.com recently took to their official X account and shared the exciting news of Scottie Scheffler bagging the Player of the Year title for three consecutive years. They wrote, “Scottie Scheffler wrapped up one of the best seasons in PGA Tour history with his third-consecutive Player of the Year trophy. Only Tiger Woods has won the award three consecutive times, a feat he accomplished twice in his career (including FIVE in a row from ’99-’03).” Phil Mickelson retweeted it on his wall and wrote, “Congrats to Scottie on truly a remarkable stretch of golf,” overlooking the divide in the golf world. 

While this time Phil Mickelson might have praised a PGA Tour pro, he has never failed to keep his stance on how the Jay Monahan-led Tour has been violating the rights of the players. He gave his two cents about it recently.

Phil Mickelson on the par-3 update

Phil Mickelson has once again aimed at the PGA Tour, accusing it of violating ‘independent contract law.’ According to Ryan French of Monday Q Info, the PGA Tour has prevented players from the Americas Tour from competing in a new par-3 league, where they could earn $25,000 per match. French reported that the PGA Tour intervened to stop these players from teeing off at the innovative Grass League in Scottsdale, Arizona—a night-time event played on a par-3 course. The inaugural Grass Clippings event brought together a mix of golfers and celebrities for an exciting team competition. The field featured 11 eight-person teams, each split into four two-player groups. Notable participants included LPGA stars Lauren Coughlin and Alison Lee, as well as former tennis legend Mardy Fish, among other high-profile names.

Ryan French also reported that the Tour also threatened the players who were willing to play with suspension. As it was stated that a host of the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, and the Americas Tour (it was created by merging the PGA Tour Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Canada) wanted to tee off in the team event as there was no entry fee, and they stood to gain $25,000. However, to tee off, they required a media release from the Tour, which was never given. The HyFlyers GC captain wrote, “This is a clear violation of independent contract law. I’m so sorry these professionals are continuing to be blackmailed by the Tour. It’s not right and is illegal.” With so much chaos going on in the golf world, it is unsure when things will settle. But there is one thing for sure. A good game of golf is still being appreciated by the players, and that is what matters in the end. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below!