More PGA Tour players will jump to LIV Golf for 2024 season, Phil Mickelson says

DORAL, Fla. — Phil Mickelson is making a bold prediction about the future of golf. He believes that many players, including those in the PGA Tour, will soon be joining LIV Golf.

Mickelson revealed that he has been receiving calls from players around the world who are interested in joining the Saudi-backed league. With LIV Golf currently holding its season-ending team championship at Trump National Doral, Mickelson’s statement comes as the league finishes its second year of operation.

According to Mickelson, players are drawn to LIV Golf because of the positive atmosphere and team dynamic it offers. He believes that the desire to be part of this experience is attracting a significant number of players. However, the availability of spots remains a challenge as the league receives more interest than it can accommodate.

Mickelson’s prediction echoes the sentiments expressed a year ago when there was talk of LIV Golf adding more PGA Tour players after its inaugural season. However, the anticipated influx of players did not materialize, with only a few notable additions during the offseason. This included players like Thomas Pieters, Mito Pereira, Sebastian Munoz, and Brendan Steele.

The CEO and Commissioner of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, previously expressed that there is significant interest from players looking to join LIV Golf.

Last year, names like Patrick Cantlay, Jason Day, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, Jon Rahm, and Adam Scott were rumored to have shown interest in LIV Golf. However, all of them decided to remain in the PGA Tour. Additionally, the recent establishment of TGL, a virtual golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has further reduced the pool of potential LIV Golf players. Players like Wyndham Clark and Patrick Cantlay have opted to join TGL instead of LIV Golf.

In terms of the current LIV Golf championship, movement is anticipated as four players are set to be relegated and 20 others are in a vulnerable position. The four players at the bottom of the points standings will be relegated and will need to play their way back into the league through a promotions event. Additionally, those who finished 25-44 enter a transfer market and are not guaranteed a spot on their current teams in 2024.

Mickelson clarified that even if a player like James Piot, who is part of Mickelson’s HyFlyers team, manages to earn a spot back in LIV Golf, there might not be a spot available for him to return to his original team. The demand for spots is high, and Mickelson expects them to be filled by the time the qualifying tournament takes place.

Another factor influencing the future of LIV Golf is the uncertain “framework” deal between the PGA Tour and LIV. The deal requires the two entities to finalize an agreement, including the DP World Tour, by December 31. However, a report by Bloomberg News suggests that the deadline might be extended due to an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.

When asked about the possible impact of a merger between the tours on PGA Tour players joining LIV Golf, Mickelson believes that the merger talks create an opportunity for players to consider LIV Golf.

The ongoing LIV Golf team championship at Trump National Doral features match play on Friday and Saturday, followed by stroke play on Sunday to determine the team champion. The quarterfinal matchups for Friday include Louis Oosthuizen’s Stinger vs. Kevin Na’s Iron Heats, Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs vs. Henrik Stenson’s Majesticks, Cameron Smith’s Ripper vs. Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks, and Brooks Koepka’s Smash vs. Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers. The top four teams, Dustin Johnson’s 4 Aces, Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers, Joaquin Niemann’s Torque GC, and Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats, receive a bye into the semifinals on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Phil Mickelson thinks more PGA Tour players will join LIV Golf