Phil Mickelson, the golf legend known for his knack for controversy, recently found himself in the midst of another heated exchange. Known for his active participation in debates, often on contentious subjects, Mickelson is no stranger to the spotlight. His fervor extends from his battles with Tiger Woods to his YouTube presence and social media interactions. His particular penchant for defending LIV Golf is well-documented; whether it’s mentoring rookies, aiding seasoned players, or promoting the league, Mickelson rarely misses an opportunity to support the golf league.
Notably, the 54-year-old golfing star has been an unwavering defender of LIV Golf during high-profile debates. He notably stood his ground against Rory McIlroy when the latter questioned the Saudi-based league’s legitimacy in seeking a merger with the PGA Tour. The dispute ended with McIlroy withdrawing his initial comments about the merger, leading fans to call on the Irishman to apologize to Mickelson.
In a recent turn of events, Mickelson found himself embroiled in another dispute with golf great, Fred Couples. Couples revealed that LIV Golf pro and 45x PGA Tour winner, Brooks Koepka, had expressed a desire to return to the PGA Tour. Speaking about his frequent conversations with Koepka, Couples said, “He wants to come back. I believe he really wants to come back and play the Tour.”
The revelation was discussed by Frankie Borrelli and Trent from the Fore Play Podcast Plus, who were joined by Cal Clutterbuck. The news attracted a response from Mickelson, who criticized Couples’ statement as a “low class jerk move.” Mickelson’s comments were not well-received by Borrelli and Clutterbuck, who noted Koepka’s recent active involvement with the PGA Tour players and his expressed desire to rejoin his colleagues.
Clutterbuck went on to critique Mickelson, suggesting that the golf star courts controversy deliberately. He suggested Mickelson’s antics were a strategic move to become one of the most talked-about figures in golf, irrespective of his performance on the course. Clutterbuck concluded that Mickelson thrives on the publicity, a point underscored by Mickelson’s subsequent deletion of his controversial tweet.
But what prompted Mickelson to write such a tweet and then remove it? The answer remains known only to Mickelson himself, adding another layer to his intriguing persona. It is worth noting that Mickelson is not a stranger to seeking public attention.
His off-the-course activities also show his incessant pursuit of fame. For instance, the golf legend made headlines when Jon Rahm acknowledged Mickelson’s efforts to secure better opportunities for LIV Golf pros during a YouTube interview. Mickelson’s influence on golf is undeniable, even if it involves helping his rival LIV Golf team.
Moreover, Mickelson’s ventures into the YouTube golf space have been quite notable. His collaboration with Grant Horvart for a YouTube video, preceded by a well-received teaser, further demonstrated his willingness to take risks to engage his fanbase.
Given these circumstances, Mickelson’s decision to engage in a dispute with Fred Couples seems to align with his well-established pattern of courting controversy. Yet, the question remains: Is Phil Mickelson’s consistent involvement in these debates a strategic move to stay in the limelight or simply a reflection of his outspoken personality?
