Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson stirred controversy by revealing he experienced anxiety before PGA Tour events, contrasting this with the ease and comfort he feels at LIV Golf tournaments. Speaking ahead of the Team Championship finale this week as captain of the HyFlyers GC, Mickelson criticized the PGA Tour atmosphere, saying it heightened his stress.
Mickelson, one of the highest-profile players to leave the PGA Tour for the LIV Golf League, funded by the Public Investment Fund, has frequently faced backlash for his decision. At a recent press conference, he explained that LIV Golf events provide a more relaxed environment compared to his PGA Tour experiences.
“I would just say that I used to have anxiousness going to a (PGA) Tour event with all the details and things that would go on. I would be anxious and not want to go. I’d go as late as I could. At a LIV event, I can’t wait to get here. I come earlier. I can’t wait to get here. The experience from a player’s standpoint it’s better than I could have ever imagined.” —Phil Mickelson, Golfer
Mickelson Highlights Fans’ Enjoyment at LIV Golf Compared to PGA Tour
Beyond his personal experience, Mickelson also commented on the fan atmosphere at both tours. He suggested that attendees of LIV Golf events leave feeling satisfied and eager for more, in sharp contrast to the PGA Tour, where fans reportedly feel stressed and fatigued.
“Fans are leaving [LIV events], they’ve had a good time. They’ve left relaxed, enjoying and wanting more, rather than have the day drag on, being tired and run down, and being stressed about not interfering and being quiet and so forth.” —Phil Mickelson, Golfer
Mickelson believes LIV Golf offers a more family-friendly environment, allowing fans to bring their children without discomfort. This accessible setting, he argues, encourages repeat attendance and creates a positive atmosphere for the sport’s growth.
Social Media Criticism Intensifies After Mickelson’s Remarks
The former World No. 2’s comments have provoked intense reactions online, with many fans questioning both his motives and the competitiveness of LIV Golf. Social media users widely criticized Mickelson for distancing himself from the PGA Tour, claiming he has compromised his legacy.
On the platform X, users compared the competitiveness of the two tours unfavorably, suggesting LIV Golf lacks the pressure and prestige of the PGA Tour. Some accused Mickelson of prioritizing financial rewards over sporting achievement.
“Perhaps because there’s nothing in the line anymore. The golf is not nearly as competitive, you’ve turned in your legacy card. It’s like the XFL compared to the NFL. Not nearly as much on the line.” —Chris (@crispywike55)
“Wow! Go figure. If you get guaranteed money you have no anxiety/pressure. Continues to prove there is no reason to give these guys World Ranking Points. This is just like a concert tour. Get in stage for 4 hours, do your job, go home. The circus continues.” —Jeremy Silber (@realjsilber)
“You know, playing on the PGA tour, it meant something. Best players in the world…LIV gave me a shit pile of money and the competition is mediocre. I only have to play 3 rounds and no cuts…so yeah, there is less pressure…I’m never nervous because it doesn’t matter” Lol —Kaare Johnson (@KaareJohnson)
“Probably because he got generational money in one shot. Paid off all his debts…what he shoots doesn’t really matter, people are waiting on him and hand and foot. Plays a casual fun round with the boys.” —Dallas (@iDoMeanDallas)
These comments underscore how Mickelson’s financial gain and mental ease have become focal points for fans questioning the legitimacy of LIV Golf as a competitive circuit.
Mickelson’s PGA Tour Legacy and Transition to LIV Golf
Turning professional in 1992, Phil Mickelson has contested over 670 PGA Tour tournaments, collecting 45 victories, including six major championships. Over his career on the Tour, he earned more than $96 million, establishing himself as one of golf’s greats. However, his move to LIV Golf has cast a shadow over his achievements in the eyes of many fans and commentators.
The shift to LIV Golf, an upstart league backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has sparked division in the golfing world, pitting traditional sanctioning bodies against the breakaway circuit. Mickelson’s outspoken comparisons and claims of anxiety on the PGA Tour reflect larger tensions between the two competitions.
HyFlyers GC Advances to LIV Golf Team Championship Semi-Final
On the competitive front, Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC advanced to the semi-finals of the LIV Golf Team Championship by sweeping Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC in a surprising quarterfinal victory. All three matches were won by Mickelson’s squad, setting up a clash with the formidable Legion XIII led by Jon Rahm, a team boasting four titles this season.
Mickelson is set to face Rahm, the reigning LIV Golf Individual Champion who recently defended his title by overcoming Joaquin Niemann, a five-time winner this season. The semi-final promises an intense duel between two Masters champions.
The upcoming matches will also feature Cameron Tringale against Tyrrell Hatton in singles, while the foursomes will include Caleb Surratt and Tom McKibbin of Legion XIII taking on Brendan Steele and Andy Ogletree from HyFlyers GC.
The Future Implications of Mickelson’s Statements and the LIV Golf Rivalry
Mickelson’s candid disclosures about anxiety linked to PGA Tour events and praise for LIV Golf’s atmosphere bring attention to ongoing debates around player welfare, fan involvement, and the future of professional golf. His remarks contribute to a growing narrative that contrasts the two circuits beyond just competition, emphasizing mental health and fan experience.
The criticism Mickelson faces highlights the challenges LIV Golf continues to have in gaining full acceptance among traditional golf fans and players. With the team championship progressing and top players like Jon Rahm further cementing LIV’s profile, the rivalry between tours remains a defining storyline for the sport.
As LIV Golf pushes forward, the dialogue sparked by Mickelson may influence how professional golf evolves in terms of player environment, fan engagement, and the balance between commercial incentives and competitive integrity.