Phil Mickelson, a prominent player for the PIF-backed LIV Golf, has been vocal about his preference for LIV over the PGA Tour. His recent comments, however, have not only raised eyebrows but also sparked discussions about his potential return to the PGA Tour.
Mickelson’s enthusiasm for LIV Golf has been evident, going as far as to claim that the experience at LIV surpasses that of the PGA. His recent bold predictions, including asserting that Scottie Scheffler wouldn’t secure a win on the PGA Tour in 2025 and that Joaquin Niemann should hold the world number one spot, have caused quite a stir in the golfing world.
These comments were enough to spark conversations among golf media about Mickelson’s future with the PGA Tour. Renowned golf analyst, Rex Hoggard, has even suggested that Mickelson’s controversial remarks may have jeopardized his chances of ever being welcomed back to the PGA Tour.
Hoggard, in his recent episode of ‘Rex and Lav’, offered his perspective on Mickelson’s chances of a return. He shared a story about Laurie Canter, a former LIV player who recently participated in a non-major, non-co-sanctioned PGA Tour at the Players Championship. Hoggard pointed out that Canter, having never been a member of the PGA Tour, had to endure a year-long suspension from his last LIV event before he could take part in a PGA Tour event.
Hoggard highlighted that the PGA Tour has created pathways for such players. However, for those who were members before defecting to LIV, the situation is likely to be different. He believes that Mickelson, due to his controversial comments and other factors, would probably be at the bottom of the list for a potential return to the PGA Tour.
Todd Lewis, another golf analyst who joined Hoggard on the show, was more critical of Mickelson’s remarks. Lewis called out Mickelson for living in a ‘LIV bubble’ and dismissed his comments about Scheffler and Niemann as incorrect.
Lewis argued that Scheffler had an outstanding year, leading the PGA Tour in over two dozen statistical categories, including scoring average and money won. He questioned Mickelson’s claims, suggesting that they were misguided and served merely to stir up controversy.
Despite the ongoing debate, Mickelson is set to face his former PGA Tour compatriots at The Masters next month, as he continues to thrive on the LIV Tour. This meet-up is bound to be closely watched given the recent controversies surrounding Mickelson’s comments and his future with the PGA Tour.
