Phil Mickelson’s revelation that LIV Golf has rejuvenated him could serve as a wake-up call for Rory McIlroy, following his “hard slog” remark about the PGA Tour.
The world of professional golf was rocked in 2022 when the Saudi Arabian PIF-backed LIV Golf emerged as a rival to the established PGA Tour, luring away some of the sport’s biggest names, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm, along with numerous other major champions.
McIlroy, one of golf’s elite, initially stood strong and criticized those leaving the tour. However, as time has passed, a potential resolution and merger between the two entities seem closer than ever.
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Consequently, the Northern Irishman’s position has softened, and he has even started criticizing his own circuit. McIlroy has recently called the PGA Tour’s schedule as a ‘hard slog’, while Mickelson has offered insight into his decision to switch sides
After being fined in 2023 for missing the Heritage, McIlroy took a shot at the PGA earlier this month, criticizing their jam-packed schedule. “There’s a few tournaments that I played this year that I don’t usually play and that I might not play next year,” McIlroy told the Daily Telegraph. “Well, at this point in my career, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years.
“I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well. Look I’ve done the hard slog, I’ve done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. I’m not getting any younger.”
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Mickelson, who has switched his allegiance to LIV Golf in 2022, used this very fact to advocate for the rival league. He took to social media to share how the new format has left him feeling more prepared for major titles.
“Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations. 14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact,” Mickelson posted on X in 2023.
The similarities between what McIlroy desires and what LIV offers could potentially create the perfect balance if the proposed merger – negotiations for which began in 2023 – were to materialize. McIlroy also expressed his hopes for the merger this month.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter during the ‘Let’s Go’ podcast, claiming it would take him “the better part of 15 minutes” to resolve this “golf civil war.”
McIlroy responded optimistically. “Given what’s happened, I think that [Trump winning] clears the way a little bit,” McIlroy remarked to the press. “He might be able to. He’s got Elon Musk, who I think is the smartest man in the world, beside him.
“We might be able to do something if we can get Musk involved, too. I think from the outside looking in, it’s probably a little less complicated than it actually is. Trump has a great relationship with Saudi Arabia. He’s got a great relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, maybe. Who knows?”
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