Phil Mickelson has lashed out at journalist Alan Shipnuck over rumours surrounding Jon Rahm and LIV Golf.
Multiple reports claim world No.3 Rahm is in advanced talks over a £480million move to the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
The Spaniard is close friends with LIV Golf figurehead Mickelson and the two golfers share the same agent.
Addressing the rumours, Fire Pit Collective writer Shipnuck said: “In recent days Phil has been telling folks that Rahm signing with LIV is a done deal. (They share the same agent.)
“But we all know Mickelson is a relentless salesman/bull**** artist, so take that for what it’s worth.”
It was Shipnuck who first reported Mickelson’s infamous quote referring to the Saudis as ‘scary mother*******’ when LIV was being built in early 2022.
The journalist, who released an unauthorised biography about Mickleson, has since been given the cold shoulder by the six-time major winner.
Responding to Shipnuck’s comments on Wednesday, Mickelson wrote: “This isn’t true and I don’t know anything. I don’t want to know anything and I haven’t said anything. Alan is the worst liar and a pathetic human.”
Shipnuck then doubled down, replying: “I guess Phil tweeted at me? I wouldn’t know since he’s blocked me in a classic tough-guy move. But we all know that what he says publicly and privately are *very* different.”
Meanwhile, The Times claims a source close to peace talks between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the PGA Tour says Rahm to LIV Golf is ‘possible’ but officials remain tight-lipped.
The 29-year-old, who is also close friends with LIV rebel Sergio Garcia, has been linked to the breakaway league multiple times in the past year.
Speaking in August, Rahm told the Golf Sin Etiquetas Podcast: “I laugh when people rumour me with the LIV Golf league. I’ve never liked the format.
“I always have a good time with Phil [Mickelson] and Sergio [Garcia] in the practice rounds of majors.
“Phil respects my decision and I respect his decision. He has told me that I have no reason to go to LIV. And he has told me that several times.”
