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‘Be Patient’: Phil Mickelson Dumps PGA Tour-LIV Golf Merger Concerns; Spreads Optimism for Sponsors and Fans

Published 12/29/2023, 8:12 PM EST

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The LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger has many on the edge of their seats. With the reported delay in the merger, it is none other than Phil Mickelson, this time around, who has gone ahead and shed some light on the matter. Moreover, the 53-year-old took to his social media not too long ago in an attempt to alleviate some of the concerns regarding the rumored deadline extension.

Joe Pompliano, a sports show host, had earlier taken to the internet to dub the whole merger drama as “exhausting.” Nevertheless, despite the subtle jab at the whole situation, Mickelson implored the fans of the game to “be patient” all the while sharing his reply to the enthusiast!

Phil Mickelson’s take on the future of golf

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Pompliano made a poke at the current situation of golf while tagging the deadline being extended as a “bummer” for the sport. But even so, the HyFlyers GC skipper was understanding of his position while elaborating how the deal would lead to the “average fan” witnessing “all the best players compete against each other way more often than before.” 

The LIV golfer, as he took to his X handle to reply to the same, also pointed out how the top athletes would be able to play against each other “throughout the world.” Moreover, the pro went ahead to douse the worries of many as he asked the fans to “be patient” as he mentioned how “everyone will end up ahead” after the whole deal transpires.

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Well, what the 45X PGA Tour champ iterated on his social media does hold true since there would be a lot of changes following the completion of the framework agreement. Although the resultant deal may witness a change in leadership, other aspects may be advantageous for the players, including getting qualified for the Ryder Cup along with the golfers being able to play on both the circuits.

However, it’s not as if the whole fiasco would only spell good for the sport of golf. Moreover, with the rumored extension of the deadline, the PGA Tour might see itself in a precarious situation soon.

Possible scenarios following the speculated deadline extension

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If the deal falls through, the PGAT will witness itself in a perilous position owing to the many possible outcomes that may follow the same. The men’s circuit had fought the PIF in the courtroom after many LIV golfers filed a lawsuit against banning them from the tour. Consequently, the golfing body saw itself squeeze out around $20.7 million, along with $480,000 in the five-month battle with the Saudi-backed league.

However, if you think it ends there, you’re wrong! The 1968-formed body might also experience many of its athletes jumping to the PIF-funded circuit if they offered more dollar bills to them. Moreover, as if adding salt to the wound, the signature events on the PGA Tour might be forced to undergo further changes. A lot of them have already been found to be following the example of LIV Golf despite Jay Monahan dubbing the alternate league as an “irrational threat.”

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Well, after looking at the many pros and cons, one can’t help but be inclined to believe Mickelson. What’s more, many would be undoubtedly waiting for the deadline to approach as soon as possible!

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Written by:

Allan Abe

1,184Articles

One take at a time

My search for happiness eventually led me, Allan Abe, to the hallways of ES after dabbling in different fields. Following my childhood passion for the sport and coupling it with my passion for writing, the role of a golf writer was the perfect career path and has been more than a fruitful one. Through the live coverage and in-depth analysis of the lives of big stars like Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm, I have put to use all my journalistic-accolade-winning experience, from state-wide events to college competitions, to give the reader a great story with every piece.
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Edited by:

Tushhita.barua

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