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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Early last year, the LIV golf and PGA Tour controversy erupted. One of the igniters of it all was Phil Mickelson, who was one of the first few golfers to jump ship. Thereafter, the flames that were ignited are yet to be put out. Many, both inside and outside of the golf world, lashed out at Lefty. Tiger Woods, the golf legend, was among them. Martina Navratilova, the tennis star, was standing right next to Woods.

Navratilova has been a strong opponent of the LIV golf side since the beginning. Even when it was just a rumor, she was highly critical of it. She has lashed out at Phil both directly and indirectly multiple times since last year.

Martina Navratilova agrees with Woods’ statements

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As per The Guardian, in May last year, Woods had some harsh words for Mickelson. “He has his opinion on where he sees the game of golf going,” Woods stated. “I have my viewpoint how I see the game of golf.” The 15-time major winner has been the most outspoken advocate for the PGA Tour since the beginning of the feud. Despite sharing a close relationship with Lefty, he publicly called him out.

The golf legend explained that they both had different opinions and that he himself could never imagine leaving the “legacy” that comes with the tour. “I’ve supported the Tour and my foundation has run events on the Tour for a number of years,” said the pro cyclist. Woods believed that the PGA Tour was the real legacy and that LIV could never compare to it.

Read More – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson Hated Each Other. What Changed All of That?

Woods’ words inspired many to side with the PGA Tour. Among them was the former Czechoslovakian-American tennis player Martina Navratilova. Responding to an article where the golf pro was speaking out against Mickelson, she tweeted “Good to hear!”

Tiger Woods further criticizes Phil Mickelson

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“Phil has said some things that I think a lot of us… have pushed back against,” said Woods. He explained that the way Mickelson believed the tour should be run was different than everyone else’s. Lefty had back then accused the PGA of having “obnoxious greed.” Not everyone on the tour agreed with him.

via Getty

Just a month later, Phil signed with the Saudi-backed league and was banned from the PGA Tour. thereby adding gasoline to the spark that he had already ignited. Woods and Mickelson are now leading opposing forces. Many words have since been exchanged, and many more may. But many fans wonder if the two will remain friends over time.

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Do you think their friendship can withstand this heavy test? Let us know in the comments below.