Phil Mickelson has requested that people refrain from “piling on” Rory McIlroy after the latter made positive remarks about LIV Golf this week.
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McIlroy, during an appearance on the Stick to the Football podcast this week, expressed that he had been “too judgmental” towards players who joined the breakaway league and also highlighted LIV Golf’s role in exposing flaws in the golf
“I think what LIV has done is expose the flaws in the system of what golf has because we’re all supposed to be independent contractors and we can pick and choose what tournaments we want to play. But I think what LIV and the Saudis have exposed is that you’re asking for millions of dollars to sponsor these events, and you’re not able to guarantee the sponsors that the players are going to show up. I can’t believe the PGA Tour has done so well for so long,” said McIlroy on the podcast.
McIlroy’s comments garnered praise from several high-profile figures in LIV, with Greg Norman commending him for “falling on his sword” and altering his opinion.
“I’ve got to be honest with you—I’m very appreciative of what Rory said. It’s been a painful couple of years. What we have done has been consistent. Our narrative has been consistent. Our delivery mechanism has been consistent,” said Norman on LIV’s Fairway to Heaven podcast.
“The reason I say I appreciate Rory falling on his sword to some degree is the fact that he did judge us by not knowing the facts. He judged us on other people’s thoughts and opinions.”
Phil Mickelson, a former No. 1, is the latest high-profile golfer to commend McIlroy. He quote-tweeted an account sharing McIlroy’s comments and said, “This quote and the many others made today by Rory probably weren’t easy to say. Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on. Rather, it’s time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future.”
Mickelson also believes that Jon Rahm’s move to LIV could serve as a bridge to mend the damaged relationship between the PGA Tour/DP World Tour and LIV.
“Rahms’ signing is turning into a bridge to bring both sides together, as evidenced by the many comments today and a month ago about changing the rules for the Ryder Cup so Jon and others can play, so let’s use it as such. Until an agreement is reached, it will be business as usual for both sides, hopefully without needless disdain.”
