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‘Big Impact’: Phil Mickelson Reveals Why He Chose LIV Golf Over PGA Tour

Published 08/01/2022, 5:30 AM EDT

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via Reuters

With 45 championship titles, including six majors, Phil Mickelson is considered one of the best golfers on the PGA Tour. However, after playing for the American golf organization for 30 years, the golfer signed with the new LIV Golf for its Invitational Series. And he has not one but two reasons to do it! 

“The reason why I’m so high on LIV Golf is…” the 52-year-old said. “It addresses the two areas that for the 30 years I’ve played the Tour, they have tried and struggled.” 

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The Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster hosted the third event of the LIV Series from July 29th to 31st. At the event, Mickelson revealed the two reasons why the new Saudi Arabia-backed golf league would benefit the golfers and the sport during one of the press meets of the tournament.  

Phil Mickelson reveals reasons to support LIV Golf 

“LIV has a chance to bring professional golf throughout the world,” Lefty revealed. According to the golfer, the new league can move professional golf across the world and thus, help grow the sport. 

via Reuters

The PGA Tour hosts its tournaments mostly in golf clubs in America. However, the golf clubs in England, the United States of America, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia are hosting the Invitational Series this season. “Globally, I think that’s going to be a big impact,” he added. 

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“The other thing is,” Mickelson revealed the second reason to consider the new league. “We as a game and sport, the viewership has gone up five years to the average age, I believe, of 64.” Furthermore, he added, “We have to target younger generation.” 

The Saudi league follows a shotgun format, which reduces the amount of time of a round. He also explained that the younger generation would prefer watching the 4-hr game to the 12-hr game. 

Furthermore, YouTube, Facebook, DAZN, and LIVGolf.com broadcast the LIV events free of cost and commercials, which he considers would attract young viewers, who have a short attention span. 

Phil Mickelson’s career in the new league

The 52-year-old was one of the first Tour players, including Dustin Johnson, to play in the Invitational Series. Reportedly, Mickelson received approximately $200 million to sign with LIV Golf. 

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Notably, Lefty has played in all three events of the LIV Series and scored a cumulative score of 26-over from 162 holes. He is also the captain of the HY Flyers GC. 

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Watch This Story: Donald Trump Has Bold Words for PGA Tour Players Not Joining LIV Golf

Mickelson considers the LIV Series could make an impact in the world of golf. He also explained the reason why he thinks the league is better than Tour. What do you think of his point of view? 

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Written by:

Anjana Prabhakaran

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Anjana Prabhakaran is a Golf content writer at EssentiallySports. She has completed her Master's degree in Public Administration and considers researching as one of her hobbies. As her family is interested in sports, Anjana grew up watching every sport on television.
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Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi

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