Watson, aged 45, has been enduring a rough patch this season (Image: Getty Images)
Phil Mickelson has opened the door to retirement, with a number of LIV Golf stars also struggling for form in the breakaway league
Phil Mickelson, the LIV Golf star, has hinted that his illustrious career may be nearing its end amid a challenging season. He’s not the only one from the breakaway circuit who might transition into a behind-the-scenes role.
The 54-year-old was a founding member of the Saudi Arabia-funded league in 2022, but he hasn’t yet secured a victory and has only one top-10 finish this season. His sole high-ranking finish was in Jeddah back in March, and since then his form has plummeted, leaving him 44th out of 56 players with just two events left in the season.
“I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at this level, but I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to I’ll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the HyFlyers to new levels,” Mickelson stated.
“I’m in every major on the regular tour next year, and I’ll be in three of the four majors for the next six, seven years. I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainable and that people strive to be a part of.
“How I do that, whether it’s internally as a player and so forth, or whether it’s strictly from the outside, I’m going to be intricately involved with the HyFlyers going forward probably the rest of my life, and then my playing career I’ll be realistic where I’m at, too.”
Mickelson bagged himself a hefty sum believed to be around £150million after leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, coupled with owning a share in the HyFlyers. His commitment to the team is set to endure even when his days on the green end.
There’s chatter about Mickelson potentially stepping up as a non-playing captain and general manager for his squad once he hangs up his clubs, and he isn’t alone in this crossroads amongst the league’s heavy hitters.
Bubba Watson
Watson, aged 45, has been enduring a rough patch this season, far from his glory days as the champ who secured The Masters victories in 2012 and 2014. Once a top gun ranked at No. 2, he’s now slid to 51st in the rankings. Greg Norman, the LIV commissioner, cast a spotlight on Watson’s slump ahead of LIV Golf UK last month, indicating the pressure was on to maintain his status in the league.
Captain and part-owner of the Range Goats, Watson finds himself in a boat similar to Mickelson’s. His leadership role shields him from being ousted, but it’s clear that the upper echelons of LIV are itching for an improvement in his game.
Watson has conceded that he’s willing to step aside as a player and take on the role of a non-playing captain if his performance doesn’t pick up.
“I told my team if they don’t think I am good enough to play, they can kick me out and we will put another good golfer in my place. I am going to play until they kick me out,” the golfer from Florida declared.
“I love helping the young guys. They are all trying to be better and also better at golf. I get to influence three golfers in life, they are all parents and young dads. I want to be there for them and if they have a problem, I want to be able to help them.”
Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Henrik Stenson
The Majesticks trio, who share the captaincy duties, have had a challenging year. Westwood, at 51, is faring the best, currently ranked 34th a position bolstered by a third-place finish in Nashville which lifted him clear of relegation worries.
Stenson and Poulter, both 48, find themselves in 39th and 45th positions, narrowly above the relegation zone. Despite no public admissions of wanting to retire, their performances might suggest otherwise, especially as LIV continues its pursuit of younger talent, potentially putting them under the same pressure Watson feels from Norman.
Poulter and Westwood were among the original players when the league started, with Stenson, aged 48, joining shortly after and triumphing in his first event at LIV Golf Bedminster two years ago. However, that remains the sole win for a Majesticks player as LIV approaches the conclusion of its third season.
The trio have all had stellar careers but they have passed their peak, and if they have another tough season in 2025, backroom roles could be a topic of discussion with the league’s bosses. Regardless of their form, the Ryder Cup heroes are an asset to the league even if they do not tee it up.
Dustin Johnson
The 40-year-old still has a lot left in the tank, and he won in Las Vegas early this season, but he has not contended for a victory since. His performances at the majors were poor, too.
The two-time major champion will not be thinking of stepping back just yet, but his move to LIV was influenced by the lighter schedule on offer and questions have been raised if he has lost the killer instinct he had when he was world No. 1 and a contender at the start every tournament he played in.
The 4Aces captain is one of LIV’s stronger brands and Johnson has been perhaps the league’s most successful captain in gaining sponsorships and laying lasting foundations for his team.
If he feels content with his achievements a few years down the road and has had enough of the rigours of tournament golf, it would be no surprise to see him leading his team from the other side of the ropes.
Of course, Johnson remains one of the most talented players to pick up a club and it cannot be discounted that he might soon rediscover his form and rack up more big wins in the future.
