Phil Mickelson would step other than competing in LIV Golf if he can not play on the degree he needs, the six-time main champion mentioned whereas previewing the Saudi-backed circuit’s upcoming Illinois occasion.
The 54-year-old Mickelson, one of many higher-profile names to hitch the breakaway circuit in 2022 when he signed a reported $200 million contract, is captain of the HyFlyers crew, during which he additionally has an fairness stake.
Mickelson, talking throughout a name forward of LIV’s Sept. 13-15 Particular person Championship at Bolingbrook Golf Membership, has one top-20 end on the insurgent circuit this season and made the reduce at two of the 4 majors in 2024.
“I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being the place I anticipate to have the ability to compete at this degree, however I am additionally real looking with myself, and if I am not in a position to I will step apart and let any individual come on in and take the HyFlyers to new ranges,” Mickelson mentioned, in line with a transcript of Wednesday’s information convention.
“I am in each main on the common tour subsequent 12 months, and I will be in three of the 4 majors for the following six, seven years. I might like to compete and provides myself an opportunity to win in these, and I additionally wish to construct this out and create a tradition that’s sustainable and that folks attempt to be part of.
“How I try this, whether or not it is internally as a participant and so forth, or whether or not it is strictly from the surface, I’ll be intricately concerned with the HyFlyers going ahead in all probability the remainder of my life, after which my taking part in profession I will be real looking the place I am at, too.”
Mickelson was additionally requested what kind of taking part in schedule he wish to see if the PGA Tour and Saudi backers of LIV Golf ever finalize a deal to merge business operations in a brand new for-profit entity.
“I am not a part of these conversations. At 54, my schedule and my needs are going to be completely totally different than many of the gamers,” Mickelson mentioned.
“So larger image we now have to do what’s greatest for the gamers on LIV and the perfect for the gamers all through the sport of golf and never simply give attention to a 54-year-old, so my needs aren’t actually related, I might say, in that dialog.”
