Phil Mickelson continues to be a strong advocate for LIV Golf, having made a high-profile switch from the PGA Tour in 2022.
A LIV Golf and PGA Tour deal is expected soon, with the rival tours looking to complete a merger amid their ongoing tussle.
Mickelson caused a ‘sudden change’ with his LIV Golf move, having been a 45-time PGA Tour champion before the defection.
The American’s wins include six major championships, which comprise three Masters wins, two PGA Championship wins and one win at The Open Championship.
But for now Mickelson is firmly focused on LIV Golf, with Hong Kong up next in the schedule for the Saudi-backed tour.
Phil Mickelson praises ‘inspirational’ Bryson DeChambeau for helping LIV Golf grow
He currently sits 36th in the individual standings, having finished T23 in Adelaide after missing Riyadh through injury.
Ahead of his next event, Mickelson discussed LIV’s progress in his opening press conference, saying of its momentum: “Yeah, I don’t even know where to start with the momentum change that we’ve been seeing and the tailwinds that we’ve been having.
“The sponsor interest on a LIV level as well as on a team level, the interest and the attendance and the fan support throughout the world in the regions that we’re going to, it’s just been… and then you look at some of the things that the teams and the players are able to do together to help promote LIV, promote the sport and promote the game is pretty special.
“Bryson [DeChambeau] I always use as an example because what he’s doing on YouTube is inspirational.”
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil then interjected: “And what you’re doing on social media these days is not too bad,” with Mickelson responding: “It’s a small glimmer of what he’s doing, and again, sometimes you have to see it to dream it.
“Seeing what Bryson has done and the way he’s been able to create interest at a much younger target audience, that’s crucial to the game of golf.
“That’s something that throughout my career we have struggled with doing, and the last few years we’re starting to really see it turn around.
“YouTube golf is huge, LIV Golf, and then the ability to move the best players throughout the world is just massive to inspire youth.”
Phil Mickelson surprised by ‘really fun’ LIV Golf team dynamic
Mickelson will undoubtedly be eager to enjoy a strong individual season, but as a captain, the American also has teammates to worry about.
He currently leads HyFlyers GC, who are ninth in the team standings after 12 and T5 finishes in Riyadh and Adelaide respectively.
In that regard, further responding to Mickelson’s DeChambeau praise, O’Neil continued his admiration for the six-time major winner.
“But to have one of the all-time greats of the game, leading a team, kind of contributing to the next generation of golfers for me is one of the most fun things about LIV,” said O’Neil.
“Is that something you think about and contemplate in terms of passing down wisdom, knowledge, et cetera?”
Mickelson replied: “So this team dynamic allows us to kind of work with players. We had our whole team in San Diego at my house working together in the off-season getting ready for the year, and I didn’t realize how much I really enjoyed that aspect of it, of, some will say, give back, but I think just kind of sharing knowledge or helping others get the best out of themselves.
“That’s been really fun, and the team element has brought that out amongst the players on LIV. You look at a guy like Tom McKibbin being able to kind of lean on the ear of Jon Rahm, or you look at Luis Masaveu being able to talk to Sergio [Garcia].
“I was in a car ride with him yesterday, and he was talking about how much he’s learned in just the last few months being able to be around his teammates and be around Sergio.
“So there’s a huge aspect of that that’s a real positive, but I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy doing it. It’s been really fun.”
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