LIV Golf merger plan sees Phil Mickelson get unanimous response after 'failed experiment'
Phil Mickelson's ambitious idea to expand the LIV Golf tour has been mocked by golf followers as the US star prepares to compete in The Open Championship at Portrush
Phil Mickelson's grand plan for the LIV Golf has triggered a unanimous, and damning, response. The golf legend has taken to social media to suggest major changes to the Saudi-backed tour, which he joined at its inception three years ago.
It would double the size of the tour and its schedule, creating a 120-player field with shotgun starts in the morning and afternoon. The tour would significantly expand beyond its current setup of 54 players, 13 teams and 14 global events.
Mickelson posted on X: "Here's a random Monday morning 'hypothetical' question. What if LIV went to a 35-event, full 120-person field, dual shotgun start (morning and afternoon), and the current LIV events were the 'elevated' events within the schedule. Where would those additional players come from, and what would happen to the PGA Tour then?"
However, the ideas didn't go down well with many golf fans, especially those loyal to the PGA Tour. Some even pleaded for Mickelson to return, having been one of its most high-profile defectors in 2022.
One replied: "Phil, LIV is a failed experiment, but you all banked it. Take the personal W and move on."
With talks between the PGA Tour and LIV's backers over a potential merger still deadlocked, one follower called for unity, posting: "What if the tours got back together and had 20 total events at great venues with great fields...everything else was trying to qualify for those 20 events that include majors."
Mickelson described that concept as "awesome". However, it was one of the few exchanges where he escaped criticism. Former PGA Tour player turned commentator Colt Knost responded sarcastically, saying: "That's a lot of concerts!"
He was alluding to the fact that many LIV events are accompanied by concerts by performers such as Jason Derulo, Sublime and Riley Green.
While LIV has attempted to brand itself as golf's 'rebellious disruptor', its detractors continue to argue that the format is more of a gimmick than a genuine challenge to the PGA Tour's established reputation. One traditionalist pointed out: "Golf for hundreds of years has been played as a 72-hole singles competition.
"There are a few team events, such as the Ryder Cup, that are fine on an occasional basis. Traditionalists will never agree to 54-hole LIV golf."
With PGA viewership on the rise and LIV's figures comparatively low, one follower added: "No one wants to see shotgun starts, let alone dual shotgun starts with more players that no one knows."
Taking a break from LIV duty, Mickelson is part of the field at the Open Championship at Portrush.
He faces an early start on Thursday, teeing off at 7.19am alongside South African Daniel van Tonder and Australia's Ryan Peake. On Friday, he will be out at the later time of 12.09pm.