Is Phil Mickelson quitting LIV Golf? Exploring the golfer’s latest comments on ‘stepping aside’ from competition
LIV golfer Phil Mickelson has hinted at the possibility of retirement amidst his poor form on the Saudi-backed circuit. The American has been a part of LIV Golf since its inception, but has struggled with his game and currently ranks 44th in the season standings.
Recently, Phil Mickelson opened up about his future in golf, admitting that if his performance continues to decline, he might "step aside" and allow someone else to take over the leadership of his LIV Golf team, the HyFlyers. In an interview with Golf.com, Mickelson said:
“I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at this level, but I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to, I’ll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the HyFlyers to new levels."
The six-time Major champion also discussed his plans to compete in the Majors next year. Thanks to his victory at the 2021 PGA Championship, he remains eligible to play in all four Majors in 2025. Mickelson is looking forward to competing in these prestigious tournaments and hopes to add more titles to his name.
“I’m in every Major on the regular tour next year, and I’ll be in three of the four Majors for the next six, seven years. I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainable and that people strive to be a part of," Mickelson said.
However, he is also realistic about the future of his playing career. He admitted that he would remain "intricately" involved with his HyFlyers team for "the rest of his life," either as a player or "strictly from outside."
"How I do that, whether it’s internally as a player and so forth, or whether it’s strictly from the outside, I’m going to be intricately involved with the HyFlyers going forward probably the rest of my life, and then my playing career I’ll be realistic where I’m at, too," he added.
Phil Mickelson has been playing professional golf since 1992 and has 57 career wins, making him one of the most successful golfers in the world.
A quick recap of Phil Mickelson's journey on the LIV Golf circuit
Phil Mickelson joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022 and has competed in every season of the circuit since. In the inaugural season, Mickelson played in seven tournaments, recording one top-10 finish. He finished in eighth place at the 2022 LIV Golf Chicago event and ultimately ranked 34th in the season standings.
In the second season, he competed in 13 individual events on the LIV Golf tour and had some decent finishes. He placed 10th at the 2023 LIV Golf Bedminster event and 15th at the Singapore event. He ended the season in 39th place in the standings.
In 2024, Phil Mickelson has participated in 11 events on the breakaway series so far, with only one top-10 finish. He secured sixth place at the Jeddah event and currently ranks 44th in the season standings.