Phil Mickelson reveals he’ll ‘step aside’ if his LIV team struggles continue

Phil Mickelson knows his game isn’t where it should be, telling reporters on Thursday that he would be willing to step away from competing in LIV Golf if he doesn’t play at the levels he feels he should be. 

Mickelson is one of the most recognizable names in golf and was the most prominent player in the sport to make the jump to the Saudi-backed league in 2022, but he has just one top-20 finish in LIV Golf this year and has failed to make the cut in two of four majors in 2024. 

The 54-year-old is the captain of the HyFlyers team in the league while also owning an equity stake in the club.

During a conference call ahead of LIV’s Individual Championship at Bolingbrook Golf Club next month, Mickelson acknowledged he could step back from the league depending on how things shake out. 

“I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at this level, but I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to I’ll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the HyFlyers to new levels,” Mickelson said. 

“I’m in every major on the regular tour next year, and I’ll be in three of the four majors for the next six, seven years. I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainable and that people strive to be a part of.”

When Mickelson was asked what he felt hadn’t gelled in his own game, he pointed to his short game, which he had been known for in the past. 

When the topic of the possible LIV-PGA Tour merger came up and what kind of potential schedule he’d like to see as a result, he replied that he was “not part of those conversations.” 

“At 54, my schedule and my desires are going to be totally different than most of the players,” Mickelson added. “So bigger picture we have to do what’s best for the players on LIV and the best for the players throughout the game of golf and not just focus on a 54-year-old, so my desires aren’t really relevant, I would say, in that conversation.”