American golfer Phil Mickelson said he was completely comfortable with no longer being able to play a PGA tournament or the Ryder Cup, almost a year after deciding to commit to the breakaway league LIV Golf, financed by the sovereign fund of Saudi Arabia. Mickelson reportedly received US$200 million to join the LIV circuit last year.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated last week, Mickelson said he was totally at peace with that.
Like almost fifty golfers, some of whom are among the best golfers in the world such as Dustin Johnson or Cameron Smith, having like him yielded to the dollars offered by LIV last year, Mickelson was banned from the PGA and therefore cannot participate in its competitions, apart from the four major tournaments which allow these dissidents to take part.
However, these Grand Slam golf events are the only thing that attracts the 52-year-old former world number one from the LIV circuit.
Winning another major would be a unique and special moment for Lefty. This is really where he wants to flourish. He adds that it would also mean a lot to win some events on the LIV circuit because of the role he played in its creation.
The LIV circuit also unveiled its calendar on Monday, which will include twice as many tournaments in 2023 as last season. That is 14 tournaments for record total purses of $405 million.
As for the Ryder Cup, which pits golfers from the United States against those from Europe every two years, Mickelson is also comfortable in mourning it.
Finally, Phil Mickelson mentions that he loved being part of the American team, 12 times and once as vice-captain. He adds that he has probably had more great moments than anyone else in this event.
Source : Info Golf
