Phil Mickelson, and the Tour pro, Michael S Kim are friends. Kim once shed light on what it’s like to share the course with the 6x major champion, having played the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open together. Even when he was out of contention, Mickelson approached every shot with the same intensity as if he were competing in a major championship.

“After all these years he was still GRINDING out pars even when we were in 50th place… Nobody was there, still gave fist pumps and his trademark tip of the cap when the three volunteers clapped for a good shot. He loves to play golf. During off weeks, he plays constantly and will play you for whatever is on the course. Basically guy is a golf sicko,” Kim said. To this, Phil Mickelson even replied, “Thank you. I enjoyed our little match the other day.” 

We also know that Phil Mickelson was once one of the biggest star names on the PGA Tour. He was the only one who could put up with the grandeur of Tiger Woods. However, things were not quite the same when he decided to deflect to LIV Golf back in 2022. Knowingly, or unknowingly, he became became face of the Rebel League at the time. Ever since he has had to face the wrath of the PGA Tour Pros, and PGA Tour fans.

Even Rory McIlroy criticized Mickelson, calling him “naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant.” The backlash has not stopped since. Despite everything, what Lefty does is appreciate a good game of golf. After the second round of the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, Kim wrote on X, “Fun day today! Thought I made it for a second there on 16. Let’s keep it going”. Well after the amazing round he had, why would he not? Having carded a 69 in the opening round at TPC Scottsdale, Kim went completely bogey-free on Friday.

He opened the round with a birdie, and also closed it with one, finishing at T2 with an impressive 8-under for the day. He almost hit an ace in the sixteenth hole but resulted in a birdie eventually. Nonetheless, he was in one of his greatest forms, and watching him was a delight. Despite all the bad blood between LIV and the PGA Tour, Lefty retweeted Kim’s post, and wrote in simple 12 words, “Great playing. Keep it going and have a ton of fun this weekend. ”

The inception of LIV Golf did manage to take a toll on a lot of friendships in the golf world. While Phil Mickelson recently spoke about how the world of golf would be such a better place after the merger comes into action, he has never failed to bring to light the back draws of the PGA Tour. Maybe that is why, he is among the greatest Nemesis of the Tour.

Phil Mickelson compares PGA Tour’s atmosphere to that of LIV Golf

On “The Joe Pomp Show,” Mickelson talked about the challenges parents face when bringing their kids to PGA Tour events. He highlighted how the strict need for silence and the long distances they must walk can make the experience stressful for families. “When you go to a PGA Tour event, it’s very uncomfortable for a parent to bring a child because you have to be quiet. Shhh. OK, don’t move. Stop moving. Come over here and let’s get a view. You’re kind of hustling, and your kids are kind of tired. They are walking miles.” Mickelson remarked. 

He contrasted this with the LIV’s atmosphere highlighting elements specifically designed to boost family enjoyment. Mickelson mentioned the music, designated kids’ zones with activities and large TVs, along fan areas offering seating and drinks. “When you go to a LIV event, it feels different. You feel at ease, like, OK, our kids had a great time. I was relaxed, not as stressed,” he explained.

According to Mickelson, a key element in LIV Golf’s possible success is its family-friendly environment. He asserted, “I think that’s the number one reason why LIV’s going to be successful because when you go experience it, you walk away feeling different. You walk away feeling like, Oh, I really enjoyed that. Let’s go back.”