Phil Mickelson’s PGA Tour career is well and truly done with now he’s over on LIV Golf.
Since being one of the first big movers to the Saudi-funded tour, Mickelson has been more than outspoken about how he views the PGA Tour.
Over the years, we’ve heard time and again from Mickelson, who speaks as highly about the LIV Golf scene as he speaks down towards the PGA side of things.
However, while everyone is entitled to an opinion, Mickelson did once step over the mark when he initially made his move to LIV.
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Labelling the PGA Tour as being like a ‘dictatorship’ and commenting on how the Saudis could be ‘scary’ to deal with, Mickelson drew plenty of ire at the time.
Still, it wasn’t all criticism for ‘Lefty’ as nine-time major winner Gary Player spoke up in support.
Gary Player’s defence of Phil Mickelson after his move to LIV Golf
Much like Mickelson, Gary Player is another golfer who isn’t afraid to speak their mind.
Now 90, Player has been there and seen it all and when it comes to golf, there’s not a lot he doesn’t know about the game.
Indeed, back when Mickelson did make his comments, Player actually jumped to his defence.
“I think we live in a time now when we are such a judgmental society, a litigious society, a critical society, where people get crucified,” Player said of Mickelson ahead of The Masters in 2022.
“The greatest PR man on the golf Tour in the last five or x amount of years has been Phil Mickelson. He has been the ideal man for a sponsor, for professional golf, for the public, the way he’s handled the public, with dignity and with love.
“And he makes a mistake, which every one of you in this room have made a damn mistake. We all have. And he said he’s sorry. But even the Lord God will forgive you of your inequities if you ask for forgiveness.
“I phoned him. I said, ‘Hold your head up high’. You’ve made a mistake. Everybody makes a mistake. And he should go on with his life. It’s amazing. From the epitome of perfection, he’s down there being crucified. It’s not right. That’s my opinion. He said terrible things, but we all make mistakes.”
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Phil Mickelson and PGA Tour fallout is a huge shame
For all Phil Mickelson has done in the game, the fact we a spending a lot of time watching his later years for his comments on social media rather than his golf tells a lot.
It’s actually a big shame that Mickelson and the TOUR’s relationship has soured. He has achieved and won so much over his career and it should be celebrated.
Instead, we are left with a relationship that seems beyond repair and ultimately, one that has got bitter.
So, while Mickelson will eventually be looked back on as one of the greatest to ever do it, for now, we are left to pick up the pieces.
Luckily, he does have supporters – like Player here – and over time, we have to hope that things can smooth out and the game of golf does eventually heal.
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