Phil Mickelson’s Retirement: Subtle Hints Show Haters Will Have to Wait for a While to Be Happy

When the breakaway league debuted in early 2023, it was Phil Mickelson who joined the LIV Golf as the first batch of pros from the PGA Tour and he was one of the few who openly publicized the innovative format. Three years later, Lefty is still loyal to the PIF-backed circuit and has one goal in his mind.

As the captain and sort of major guy for LIV Golf, the 6-time major winner wants to help the league succeed further. In doing so, Mickelson has announced that despite his low performances in recent times, he will not be hanging his boots yet. Why? Because the way only for him to help LIV Golf better is to play better!

Phil Mickelson on his retirement plans 

For the fourth event of the season, LIV Golf has ventured into the greens of Hong Kong at the Sheung Shui’s HK Golf Club. There, the rounds of the pre-match conference were in full swing. So, when Phil Mickelson was called “more than a captain in LIV Golf,” he was extremely appreciative as he said, “It’s nice of you to say that.”

Then, the HyFlyers GC captain shared his gratitude for joining LIV, “I’m proud to be a part of LIV Golf,” he said, who then continued to claim all the players were feeling the same sentiments as him. Talking about his role at LIV and how he can help the circuit grow, Mickelson detailed the plan. He expressed, “For me to best help LIV Golf succeed and be successful, the best way I can do that is to play well.”

For the two initial events, Lefty finished 53 in Mayakoba and 31 in Las Vegas. However, last week at LIV Golf Jeddah, Mickelson played better than he ever had in the last season. He was 9th on the leaderboard with 10 under 200. Per his latest performance, Lefty felt confident as he went on to say, “I’m really trying to get my game sharp. I had a lot of progress last week.” Talking about helping LIV, Mickelson detailed, “I really want to come in this game and play well because I feel like if I play well, I can help push and promote LIV Golf in the best possible way.”

That might be the best possible scenario that LIV Golf can get if the veteran pro is not leaving the greens yet. Because, per reports, LIV Golf still has a long way to attract an audience like its counterpart, the PGA Tour.

Nonetheless, Mickelson’s commitment to promoting LIV Golf could be seen often as recently he was alleged to have manipulated Jon Rahm into joining LIV Golf.

Was Phil Mickelson indeed behind Jon Rahm joining LIV Golf? 

In December 2023, Jon Rahm joined LIV Golf for a reported $550 million deal. The 4-time major winner expressed it as his individual decision without any influence from his long-time friend and LIV Golf loyal, Phil Mickelson. However, according to an inside pro who talked with Golf Digest, Mickelson did play a part in influencing Rahm’s decision.

Read More: “Want to Give Credit”: Jon Rahm Remains Grateful to Phil Mickelson for Lending a Helping Hand

The pro said Rahm “fell for whatever Phil Mickelson was selling him,” and couldn’t “see through the charade,” because they share a close relationship and the same managing company. Moreover, the insider spoke that although Lefty would’ve been excited to play with Rahm, on the other hand, “he wants to beat Jon,” to show the world that “this old guy can still play the game.” Similar to what Mickelson relayed, that he wants to play and prove himself again.

Regardless of Mickelson’s hand in Rahm’s defection, Lefty has been a crucial figure in LIV Golf’s success and if and when he is in form again, it will surely drive people to watch the 53-year-old pro back in his avatar.

Read More: The Surprise Truth Behind Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson’s Rivalry Exposed by Ex-teammate: ‘Totally Fine Together’