“Tiger’s old shoes?” – Fans in surprise as Phil Mickelson dons Nike golf shoes at LIV Golf Mayakoba
Phil Mickelson is one of the most senior golfers playing in LIV Golf. Ever since the American golfer joined the Saudi-backed series, he often finds himself in one or the other controversy.
Last year, he lashed out at Tiger Woods, calling his endorsements 'inferior.' Nonetheless, recently at the LIV Golf event in Mayakoba, Mickelson was spotted wearing Nike shoes, which were endorsed by Tiger Woods.
Something I never thought I’d see: Phil wearing Nike golf shoes while Tiger Woods no longer does 
🚨Something I never thought I’d see: Phil wearing Nike golf shoes while Tiger Woods no longer does 😂 https://t.co/2c4XHUG9bB
This did not go unnoticed by golf fans as they quickly slammed the star golfer. Nuclr Golf shared a post on their Twitter account with the caption saying:
"Something I never thought I'd see: Phil wearing Nike golf shoes while Tiger Woods no longer does."
Tiger Woods was almost always seen wearing Nike sneakers. However, he was involved in an accident in 2021 and switched to wearing other shoes. He is still on good terms with Nike, which supports his decision.
Nonetheless, fans talked about Phil Mickelson in the comments section of the post shared by Nuclr Golf. They wrote:
"He bought them. Just like you or I do."
@NUCLRGOLF He bought them. Just like you or I do.
"Tiger’s old shoes?"
@NUCLRGOLF Tiger’s old shoes?
"Something I never thought I’d see:Phil wearing golf shoes he paid for himself."
@NUCLRGOLF Something I never thought I’d see:Phil wearing golf shoes he paid for himself.
"Tiger sits on his couch and makes more $$$ a year than Phil ever made a year playing…"
@NUCLRGOLF Tiger sits on his couch and makes more $$$ a year than Phil ever made a year playing….
It is worth noting that Tiger Woods is one of the world's wealthiest athletes. The billionaire has amassed a sizable fortune through endorsement deals and his golfing career. However, he hardly played following his devastating car accident in 2021.
"He has inferior equipment" - Phil Mickelson on Tiger Woods' Nike deal
Phil Mickelson stunned fans when he announced his intention to join LIV Golf in 2022. People chastised him for his choice. However, Mickelson defended himself and often spoke ill of the PGA Tour in his interviews.
He also spoke about Tiger Woods and his brand's deals. Mickelson said:
"Well, maybe one. He hates that I can fly it past him now. He has a faster swing speed than I do, but he has inferior equipment. Tiger is the only player who is good enough to overcome the equipment he's stuck with.''
However, as his statement went viral, Nike's president, Bob Wood, came to Tiger's defence and said:
"I question his motives for saying what he did. I really question the wisdom of Phil Mickelson calling Tiger Woods out. This is a guy who has never beaten Tiger in any significant tournament, and this is what he believes, what he says? That's a laughable assertion."
Mickelson then went on to explain that he respects Tiger Woods for his incredible talent and that his remarks were not intended as a knock on the manufacturing company. He said:
"It was meant as nothing more than a positive comment on Tiger's incredible talent. As I've said many times, I have great respect for Tiger. I also have respect for any manufacturer, particularly those that can put their clubs in the hands of the world's best players. I am thrilled with my Titleist equipment and proud to represent the company but my remark was absolutely not intended as a knock on any other manufacturer."