“I’m Putting My Trust in Yasir”: Phil Mickelson Reveals; Backs Rory McIlroy’s “Not Sustainable” Remarks

Published 04/03/2024, 4:10 PM EDT

The potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has become a topic of discussion in the golf world. It has led to many people saying many things about the ordeal, wherein some have come out with positive words and some with absolute pessimist thoughts on the merger.

One person who has been graciously talking about the merger and the good it will do is none other than the Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy. His recent remarks about the present golf not being its best have now garnered the support of professionals, including the likes of Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson.

Disruption caused by LIV might just be a blessing in disguise for golf, says Phil Mickelson

Article continues below this ad

McIlroy’s stance has softened with time on LIV Golf, and he now believes that the split “is not sustainable right now, so something needs to happen to try to bring it all back together so we can all move forward so we don’t have this division that’s sort of ongoing.” Lefty and Spaniard agreed with him at the presser of LIV Golf Miami and referred to the ongoing phase as a disruption phase of golf.

Rahm stated, “I think I agree with that statement.” The Spaniard said that he believes that there is “room for both” the leagues, and the merger would further enhance the “product for the spectators.” The reigning Masters champion also believes that the merger will elevate the world of golf to the “next level worldwide” and offer a “much better product.”

Mickelson further elaborated on Rahm’s statement, expressing his agreement. He said that the introduction of LIV has led to golf entering a “transitional state,” which in turn has caused a lot of “disruption and change.” The 54-year-old said that he does not know how things will turn out, but the end result would be sport becoming global and creating a lot more opportunities for the best players and for other golf-related activities. Lastly, the 6x major champion said, “I’m putting my trust in Yasir and where the game is headed more globally.”

“But right now, we are in the disruption phase, so we are in the middle of the process, and when it’s all said and done, it’s going to be a lot brighter. But while we go through it, it’s challenging. But we’ll get there,” said Mickelson, displaying faith in PIF’s governor. Are Rory McIlroy, Rahm, and Mickelson the only ones to share the opinion of one big happy family in golf? Let us see.

Do other pros hold similar views on the return of LIV golfers?

Article continues below this ad

Not just the aforementioned entities, but other professionals like Collin Morikawa also anticipate the good things coming out of the merger. He shared his thoughts recently in an interview on X and said that he would like “to see everyone play together.”

There are a few players, such as Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler, who seem to disagree with the common consensus and think that the players who defected should not be welcomed back on the tour without any repercussions of some sort. As per them, the impact of defection on the American Tour was significant, and there were only a “handful” of players who had the aura to do good for the holistic sport.

Article continues below this ad

Even though a few pros seem to have no problem with the merger, the final verdict from the authorities is yet to see the light of day. Do you think the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has the potential to strike a balance in the world of professional golf? Feel free to express your thoughts in the comments section below!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Naman Kumar is a Golf Writer at EssentiallySports. An expert in analytical pieces, he never fails to awe his readers with his niche coverage of big names—like his idol, Phil Mickelson—in the sport. Naman is also adept at predictability pieces, where he explores the immediate future of players, be it through where they’ll play next or whether injuries will cause them to withdraw from an event.

Edited by:

Riya Singhal

“I’m Putting My Trust in Yasir”: Phil Mickelson Reveals; Backs Rory McIlroy’s “Not Sustainable” Remarks

Disruption caused by LIV might just be a blessing in disguise for golf, says Phil Mickelson

Trending

PGA Tour Suffers a Major Setback as a Scottie Scheffler Disappointment Hits the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship

‘Cannot Hold Up’: Tiger Woods Disappoints PGA Championship Fans Despite Positive Golf Cart Move

How Much Would Erica Stoll Receive from Rory McIlroy in Divorce Settlement?

Tiger Woods Becomes a Laughing Stock in the Golf World After a Video From Valhalla Goes Viral

As Rory McIlroy Threatens His $96M Record, Phil Mickelson Doubles Down on a Crucial Career Decision

Do other pros hold similar views on the return of LIV golfers?