Three time PGA tour winner says he joined LIV Golf ‘mostly because’ of Phil Mickelson

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A former PGA Tour star has admitted he joined LIV Golf “mostly because” of six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson, 53, is still waiting for his first taste of victory on the breakaway tour despite his team coming close in Adelaide last week.

The lefty is the captain of HyFlyers, who shot a combined 48-under during their three rounds at The Grange. Despite the impressive return, it wasn’t enough, as Stinger GC and Ripper GC were involved in LIV’s first-ever team playoff after both finishing on 53-under par.

On a personal note, Mickelson will be fairly underwhelmed by his performance Down Under. His three-round total of 7-under saw him tie for 38th.

Phil Mickelson lauded despite struggling at LIV Golf Adelaide

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Brendan Steele was victorious last week. The three-time PGA Tour winner’s 18-under through was enough to stave off the advances of South African duo Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.

LIV Golf’s newest superstar, Jon Rahm, sat two shots back on 16-under.

Speaking after his victory, Steele was quick to heap praise on his HyFlyers teammate Mickelson.

The 41-year-old insisted the American star is a big part of the reason why he decided to make the switch to LIV.

He said [LIV Golf’s website]: “He’s the reason that I’m here and the reason that I’m improving. To be honest, I’m 41 years old, and I’m getting better. It’s mostly because of him.”

Phil Mickelson faces crucial Sentosa outing this week

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LIV Golf heads to Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore this week in what is the second of two quickfire events.

Mickelson needs to put himself in contention ahead of the upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla. A win on the breakaway tour could see the 53-year-old play himself back into some form.

The year’s second major promises to be an intriguing contest. The LIV boys need to step up after PGA Tour players dominated the Masters’ top five.

One of the main concerns levied at the PIF-backed venture surrounds competitiveness and whether its players are ready to face each of the major championships this season.

From a LIV perspective, a better outing at Valhalla is undoubtedly required.