Phil Mickelson has revealed why he believes LIV Golf is better than the PGA Tour. The six-time major winner has been one of the biggest names to move from the PGA Tour to the Saudi-backed league, and he is clear about why he prefers his new home.
Mickelson Used To Feel Anxious On PGA Tour
Mickelson says the difference begins with how he feels at tournaments. He admitted that during his years on the PGA Tour, he often felt anxious and even dreaded showing up to events. He would delay arriving at tournaments and carry a heavy sense of stress throughout the week. In contrast, he says LIV Golf events feel completely different.
“From the players’ experience, rather than going into every little detail, I would just say that I used to have anxiousness going to a [PGA Tour] event with all the details and things that would go on,” Mickelson said. “I would be anxious and not want to go. I’d go as late as I could. At a LIV event, I can’t wait to get here. I come earlier. I can’t wait to get here. The experience from a player’s standpoint, it’s better than I could have ever imagined.”
Mickelson also pointed to the fans, saying the atmosphere at PGA Tour events can often feel tense. With quiet rules, strict etiquette, and long rounds, he believes that many fans leave tournaments feeling more worn out than entertained.
“I can’t really say from the fans’ point of view other than what I’ve heard because I haven’t been a spectator,” Mickelson said Thursday. “It seems that, when fans are leaving [LIV events], they’ve had a good time. They’ve left relaxed, enjoying themselves and wanting more, rather than having the day drag on, feeling tired and run down, and being stressed about not interfering and being quiet and so forth. It seems as though the fans have walked away from the experience having fun and wanting more.”
LIV Golf More Appealing to a Younger Audience
Mickelson also argued that LIV Golf is helping the sport reach a younger audience. He believes the league’s style and presentation are more appealing to a new generation of fans who want golf to feel more exciting and modern. The music, team format, and shorter three-day events all add to that appeal.
He said that while the PGA Tour has tradition and history on its side, it has not done enough to keep younger people engaged. LIV Golf, he claims, is making the game “cool again” and is attracting fans who may never have paid attention to the sport before.
The 54-year-old’s comments come at a time when the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is still a major talking point in the game. While some golfers remain loyal to the Tour, others have followed Mickelson to LIV for both financial and competitive reasons. Mickelson insists his decision was about more than money. For him, it is about enjoying the game again and feeling part of something that excites both players and fans.
Main Photo Credit: © Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
