Moments After Brooks Koepka’s Coach’s Controversial LIV Golf-PGA Tour Remarks, Phil Mickelson Applauds Him With a Bold Statement: ‘Holds Nothing Back…’

Published 05/24/2023, 11:06 AM EDT

In a surprising twist, renowned LIV golfer Phil Mickelson, took to Twitter, causing quite a stir among golf enthusiasts. Mickelson, widely admired and respected in the golfing community, grabbed attention by publicly commending a prominent figure in the sport.

The person he praised is none other than Brooks Koepka’s coach, Claude Harmon III. One who made waves with his audacious and thought-provoking comments about LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. This coach’s perspective challenges long-standing conventions in golf, advocating for greater transparency and fairness within the sport.

Bold statement of Phil Mickelson shakes the golfing world

In a surprising turn of events, Mickelson took to Twitter to praise Brooks Koepka’s coach, Claude Harmon III, and his candid remarks regarding LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Mickelson’s tweet read, “CH3 (Claude Harmon III) is awesome. His dad is too and should be in the Hall of Fame already. Great read. He holds nothing back, just like his father.”

CH3 (Claude Harmon lll) is awesome. His dad is too and should be in the Hall of Fame already. Great read. He holds nothing back, just like his father. https://t.co/aKtY3ixan8
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 24, 2023

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Harmon III, popularly known as CH3 among friends, has established himself as a highly accomplished swing instructor, earning his eighth major win with Ernie Els in the 2012 British Open, and coaching five majors with Brooks Koepka (three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens), and two with Dustin Johnson (U.S. Open and Masters). He currently serves as the Director of Instruction at Butch Harmon Floridian and operates the Claude Harmon III Performance Golf Academy in Dubai.

What makes Harmon III’s perspective particularly intriguing is his involvement in both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Expressing his support for professional athletes, he stated, “I don’t think Rory McIlroy should go anywhere in the world without somebody paying him, including Memphis and Memorial. That’s how good he is. If you’re in that category, you shouldn’t be going anywhere without being paid because it’s how good you are.”

Claude Harmon III’s controversial remarks challenge golf’s status quo

The coach drew parallels between golf and other sports, emphasizing that golf should not be treated differently. Drawing an analogy to race car driving in NASCAR and Formula 1, the coach highlighted that athletes in those sports are not forced to choose between the two. However, in golf, there seems to be a push for fans to choose between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

“The good thing I think all of this is showing is, it’s just golf. You can be a racecar driver for NASCAR or you can be a racecar driver for F1. You’re still a race car driver. Nobody in NASCAR, nobody in F1 is asking you to choose between the two. For some reason, Jay and the guys in Ponte Vedra and a segment of you guys in media want the fans to choose between LIV and the PGA Tour, and you don’t have to.”

The coach questioned this notion, emphasizing that golf fans can appreciate and support both leagues without having to make a choice.

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The coach also expressed frustration with the media’s portrayal of certain players, particularly referencing the Golf Channel’s negative portrayal of Phil Mickelson.

“Because everywhere Phil goes, fans want his autograph. The Golf Channel tried to make out like he was literally Josef Mengele. In London, fans couldn’t wait to watch him and get his autograph. Here, they can’t wait to get his autograph. He’s a golfer. That’s all this is.”

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The coach stressed that Mickelson, like any other golfer, is simply a golfer and should not be subject to unfair scrutiny or judgment. What are your thoughts on Claude Harmon III’s remarks? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Sakshi is a golf author at EssentiallySports. Writing and golf are her two biggest passions, and making a career out of the two combined is a dream come true. Tiger Woods has been her gateway into the sport right from her childhood.

Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

Moments After Brooks Koepka’s Coach’s Controversial LIV Golf-PGA Tour Remarks, Phil Mickelson Applauds Him With a Bold Statement: ‘Holds Nothing Back…’

Bold statement of Phil Mickelson shakes the golfing world

Claude Harmon III’s controversial remarks challenge golf’s status quo

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