There is something mesmerising about seeing Phil Mickelson roll the years back and produce on the golf course and he’s done just that in front of a lively crowd at LIV Golf Chicago.
Mickelson has been threatening to win for much of the season and has produced some fine golf throughout 2025 without quite getting it done.
Now, though, Mickelson looks to have saved some of his best until last as LIV enters its final few weeks.
An opening round 68 puts Mickelson just one off the lead and a run of four birdies in a row between 12 and 15 really got the natives enjoying their day.
Bogeys on 17 and 18 hampered ‘Lefty’s’ efforts but it was still a fine round.
And speaking about his performance and that big Chicago crowd, Mickelson has passed comment.
Phil Mickelson says why he loves playing in Chicago
Phil Mickelson remains a huge star in golf and there’s more than enough support out there for him on the fairways.
The six-time major winner still has all the shots in the bag and at times, produced magic moments which were akin to his prime.
Now, speaking out on his performance in general, Mickelson has admitted he’s delighted and was full of praise for both the fans and course in Chicago.
“It was a good start. I just need to finish the round off a little bit more solid than I did today, and I think it’s going to be a great weekend,” Mickelson said.
“We always love coming to Chicago. The people here have been such great sports fans. For decades been coming here and have had great support in the game of golf, and it’s fun to see the people out here and the way that they’ve responded to this tournament, and this course has been a wonderful host.
“But again, I think this course is very exciting to play because you have holes where you can make birdies and eagles, and you also have some really tough pars, and you’re seeing some bogeys and doubles.
“I think that makes for a really exciting weekend.”
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Phil Mickelson’s best results on LIV Golf in 2025
It has been a good season for Mickelson on LIV despite the obvious inconsistencies.
Now well into his 50s, he can be excused for not being right at it every week but in the main, he’s played some good golf.
| Major | Best Finish |
| The Masters | 1st (2004, 2006, 2010) |
| PGA Championship | 1st (2005, 2021) |
| US OPen | 2nd (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013) |
| Open Championship | 1st (2013) |
A third in Hong Kong was his season high but he’s also had a 6th in Miami, a T4 in Virginia, and four more top 25 finishes in the season.
Yes, Mickelson is desperate to get his first win on LIV Golf but for where he is in his career and what’s expected against a strong field, he is more than holding his own.
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