Who Are HyFlyers GC? A Closer Look at Phil Mickelson’s All-Star Squad

LIV Golf has reached the tail-end of this season with only two events remaining. The Saudi-funded league will head to Jeddah on October 13 before returning to Miami. Ahead of its penultimate event, let’s look at the HyFlyers GC, helmed by one of the biggest names in professional golf, Phil Mickelson.

Like their skipper, the team took some time to get in the groove in the inaugural season. Further, frequent changes to the lineup till the first four games hampered the stability. However, since the final line up was fixed, Mickelson’s men became more competitive. As they head to Jeddah, here is a breakdown of its history and current squad.

The Initial Roaster of HyFlyers GC

Like other high-profile teams of LIV Golf, such as Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces, and Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC, Phil Mickelson’s team also went through a slew of changes. For the inaugural match in London, Mickelson had Justin Harding, Chase Koepka, and amateur golfer Ratchanon Chantananuwat.

That soon changed after the very first match. Replacing all three of his partners, the 53-year-old Mickelson drafted Bernd Wiesberger, Itthipat Buranatanyarat, and Matthew Wolff. Harding made a comeback to the team at the Bedminster event, replacing Buranatanyarat. Once again, Harding left the team prior to the Boston event, with Cameron Tringale taking his spot.

The veteran golfer made further changes in the roaster ahead of the 2023 season. Three-time PGA Tour winner Brendan Steele and 2021 U.S Amateur winner, James Piot joined the squad in May. Let’s take a look at the current roaster.

Phil Mickelson–LIV Golf’s most controversial signing

Phil Mickelson was one of the biggest names to join the Saudi-backed league last year after he became the oldest Major Champion in 2021. He has attracted a lot of controversy since switching sides for a reported fee of $200 million, especially since the decision came close on the hills of him backing PGA Tour in February, last year.

Defending his decision, however, he admitted that this was for him a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. According to the veteran, he was on the “winning side” of things, as LIV golf was making inroads globally. “I’m happy where I’m at,” said the veteran golfer in a press conference after the Masters Tournament.

The six-time Major Winner’s performance graph has gone in the opposite direction of his earnings, however. At the debut season, his best finish was at no. 8 in LIV Chicago. He failed to make it to the top 10 in all but one other event. This year, too, he finds himself at no. 38 on the LIV individual leaderboard.

Brendan Steele–the LIV debutant who shocked everyone

Unlike his captain, who was an advocate for LIV Golf before switching side, the three-time PGA Tour winner’s shifting allegiance was a shocker. It was just in December last year, when the 40-year-old golfer spoke about his lack of interest in LIV in no unambiguous terms.

A few months later, Steele debuted in the Mayakoba event after withdrawing from Genesis Invitational in February along with his playing mate and friend Phil Mickelson. The three-time PGA Tour winner, too, has struggled to find his footing in the new league only notching a top three finish thrice this year.

James Piot–the young gun of the HyFlyers GC

The 24-year-old golfer from Michigan joined LIV Golf in June 2022, a month after turning pro. Piot made his name as an amateur golfer representing the Michigan state. His most significant achievement came when he won the US Amateurs Open 2021, becoming the first golfer from Michigan to do so.

The young golfer joined the PIF-funded league with a signing bonus of $3 Million. Last year, the Michigan native made $2 million in prize money. Piot did not appear too concerned about the negative criticism surrounding LIV, citing touring the world and playing money was a lucrative enough offer for him to sign up for the rival league.

Read More: Who Are Crushers GC? Everything You Need to Know About Bryson DeChambeau’s LIV Golf Warriors

Cameron Tringale–the consistent performer

The former Georgia Techie is arguably the most consistent performer in Phil Mickelson’s squad. Currently at no. 17, the 36-year-old has 34 top ten finishes with 4 runner up finishes.

The American international has also found a strong backer in his captain Phil Mickelson. The veteran golfer batted for his teammate to be given a spot in the PGA Championship, dubbing him as one of the “best putters” in the game.

HyFlyers GC finished at no. 11 in their last outing at LIV Chicago. Currently, sitting at no. 9 on this season leaderboard, chief Phil Mickelson’s troops have failed to bag any top three finishes this year. With only two events left, they are possibly looking at another dismal year in their newfound home.

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