Phil Mickelson says PGA Tour will never again have ‘all the best players in the world’

Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson doesn’t think the LIV Golf Invitational Series is going anywhere. 

Mickelson has been one of the leading voices of Saudi-backed LIV Golf since it launched in June, creating massive controversy within the game of golf. 

(R-L) Team captain Phil Mickelson of Hy Flyers GC, Team captain Cameron Smith of Punch GC, and Matt Wolff of Hy Flyers GC attend a press conference during the LIV Golf Invitational – Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms Sept. 16, 2022, in Sugar Grove, Ill. 
(Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via Getty Images)

LIV has acquired the talents of some of the top players in golf, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith. Golfers who have joined LIV have been suspended by the PGA Tour.

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“The PGA Tour, for the last 20 or 30 years, have had all the best players in the world. That will never be the case again. LIV Golf is here to stay,” Mickelson said Friday, according to ESPN. 

Mickelson made the comments after shooting a 2-under 70 in the opening round of LIV Golf’s tournament in Chicago. 

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“The best solution is for us to come together,” Mickelson added. “I think that the world of professional golf has a need for the old historical ‘history of the game’ product that the PGA Tour provides. I think that LIV provides a really cool, updated feel that is attracting a lot of younger crowds.

LIV golfer Phil Mickelson hits his tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago Sept. 16, 2022, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. 
(Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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“Both are good for the game of golf, and the inclusion of LIV Golf in the ecosystem of the golf world is necessary. As soon as that happens, we all start working together. It’s going to be a really positive thing for everyone.”

LIV has certainly shaken up the game of golf, offering massive signing bonuses to players along with huge purses at tournaments. 

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On Wednesday, it was reported that LIV’s season-ending team championship event will include a $50 million purse, the richest in golf history. 

Team captain Phil Mickelson of Hy Flyers GC is interviewed during the LIV Golf Invitational – Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms Sept. 16, 2022, in Sugar Grove, Ill. 
(Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via Getty Images)

The PGA Tour has made its own changes as LIV has launched, announcing that top payers will commit to playing in 20 events per year, including 12 elevated events that feature $20 million purses and the top 20 players, among other changes.