What if I told you that one of the greatest golfers of all time was secretly working for a new radical form of golf? That is the premise of Alan Shipnuck’s new book “LIV and Let Die”, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of Phil Mickelson, the five-time major champion and fan favorite, who became a key player in the launch of LIV Golf, a controversial and revolutionary alternative to the PGA Tour.

Shipnuck, who has covered golf for more than three decades, had unprecedented access to Mickelson and other insiders who were involved in the creation and development of LIV Golf, a concept that aimed to offer more lucrative and exciting events for the top players in the world, alongside interactive and engaging experiences for the fans. 

Is Phil Mickelson a ‘Secret Agent’ for LIV Golf

Moreover, his book chronicles the origins of LIV golf, which can be traced back to the Premier Golf League (PGL), a proposed global tour that was backed by investors from the UK and Asia. The PGL had approached Mickelson and other stars with lucrative offers to join their circuit but faced resistance from the PGA Tour, which threatened to ban any player who participated in the rival tour. 

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He said in an interview, “It was such a Monumental story that Phil Mickelson had become kind of this secret agent helping to launch LIV golf that it had to be told you know it was one of the biggest questions in the game at that moment was what does Phil want because everyone knew he’d been working both sides of the street with the premier golf league and then with the Saudis.”

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The writer further added, “But it was not his role was not widely understood I mean and part of this new book that I tried to one of the things that drove me was the entire story happened in the shadows like every deal every handshake every conversation every time the money moved around there was no press release there was no press conference like was all secret and I felt like it was my job was to bring all the stuff out into the daylight for golf fans and other stakeholders in the game to really understand how we got to this incredibly complex divisive moment in the sport.” 

Did Phil split the golf world with LIV Golf?

Shipnuck’s book claims how Mickelson’s double-dealing created a rift among the players, some of whom were loyal to the PGA Tour, while others were tempted by the promise of more money and freedom. 

It sheds light on the power dynamics, politics, and personalities that shaped the future of the sport. Additionally, it reveals a portrait of Phil who risked his legacy and reputation to pursue his vision of LIV Golf.

What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below.

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