Phil Mickelson is one of the greatest golfers to have ever graced the game.
Now Kevin Na has opened up on what the majority of players on LIV Golf think of Mickelson.
In some ways, the 55-year-old American is an extremely divisive character, and he has been involved in his fair share of controversial incidents throughout the years.
Mickelson’s actions at the US Open in 2018 led to calls for him to be reprimanded, after he struck a moving ball on the 13th green at Shinnecock Hills during the third round.
He was also embroiled in huge controversy when he left the PGA Tour to join LIV in 2022, after his comments on the Saudi regime and his reasoning behind the switch.
Mickelson has been criticised for his overly enthusiastic praise of LIV Golf and its players, but in fairness to him, what is he supposed to do, criticise the Saudi-backed outfit after they paid him a huge fee to join them?
It’s also worth remembering that Mickelson is one of the most successful players in the history of the game, with 45 PGA Tour wins and six major championships to his name.
Kevin Na opens up on what a lot of players on LIV think about Phil Mickelson
Whilst some golf fans have never warmed to Mickelson, he possesses an almost cult-like following around the globe due to his aggressive and fearless approach to the game throughout the years.
But what is Mickelson the person really like behind the scenes?
Who better to answer that question than someone who has spent a lot of time with the six-time major champion over the past three years.
Na opened up on Mickelson and how he is viewed by many players on LIV Golf, when asked by reporters how ‘Lefty’ has changed over the past 20 years.
He said: “Yeah, I have seen skinny Phil, fat Phil, gambling Phil, drinking Phil!
“He has been nothing but great to me. The first time I played with him, I was 21 years old. We played in the final group at the Phoenix Open. He ended up winning the tournament and I finished second and he has been nothing but great.
“You can always go to him and ask for any advice, whether it’s golf game or life. Anything you want. He would give you his time and his sincerity. He has been nothing but great.
“I think he is the same way right now to all the younger kids out here. I think he’s a great leader. You can’t please everybody, but a lot of the people out here respect him and I personally respect him. I am a big fan of Phil and I think what he has done for the game of golf, we have to be thankful for.“
Those comments from Na make Mickelson sounds like a true gentleman, and it’s nice to hear the perspective of somebody who actually knows him personally.
When Phil Mickelson caused a huge furore with comments on Rory McIlroy
Back in 2023 Mickelson woke up and decided that he was going to troll Rory McIlroy.
After McIlroy complained about the hectic schedule on the PGA Tour, Mickelson suggested that LIV Golf may be better suited to the Northern Irishman’s needs.
The Californian then took things to a whole new level.
He said: “As worn out as McIlroy was after the Masters and his need for an off season, LIV would be perfect for him. Problem is I don’t think there’s a team that wants him on it because they’d have to deal with all his bs.“
It’s little wonder why Mickelson is not liked by certain players but in fairness to him, he has always been as honest and transparent as the day is long.
His interviews are insightful and captivating. Give me Mickelson speaking to the press over media-trained young players with zero personality any day of the week.
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