Phil Mickelson has never held back when it comes to criticizing the PGA Tour, especially since his move to LIV Golf in 2022.
Over the past three years, the six-time major winner has repeatedly voiced frustrations about what he described as a lack of recognition, limited financial freedom, and a rigid structure that left players feeling undervalued on Tour.
Now, ahead of the LIV Golf team championship in Michigan, Mickelson has revealed another layer to his past struggles
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, the 55-year-old reflected on how he used to feel heading into PGA Tour events.
“Rather than going into every little detail, 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,” Lefty told reporters as quoted. “I would be anxious and not want to go. I’d go as late as I could.”
Though he avoided naming the PGA Tour directly, the context was unmistakable. Mickelson contrasted that experience with his current mindset at LIV events.
“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.”
This isn’t the first time Mickelson has drawn a sharp line between the two tours. But what made this moment stand out was the reaction in the room.
As seen in a clip posted by Flushing IT on X, fellow LIV stars Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson nodded in agreement as Lefty spoke. Maybe a subtle gesture, but that echoed his sentiment without saying a word.
https://x.com/flushingitgolf/status/1958866862034374884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1958866862034374884%7Ctwgr%5Ea4075f9c8a753e2f94d279712ee8db1039379ce2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.msn.com%2Fen-us%2Fsports%2Fcycling%2Fphil-mickelson-reveals-feeling-anxious-on-pga-tour-as-he-praises-liv-golf%2Far-AA1L1V3t
Mickelson’s comments come as LIV Golf prepares to wrap up its 2025 season with the Team Championship at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Mich. The event, beginning Friday, features a $50 million purse, with the winning team set to claim $14 million. The 55-year-old pro is set to tee off in Round 1 at 12:05 p.m. ET.
