Like a character in a noir film, Phil Mickelson is playing both sides in a heightened drama.
The golf legend has been in negotiations with the Saudi-backed Super Golf League on its upstart rival to the PGA Tour. Details from an upcoming book by Alan Shipnuck delve into his work behind the scenes.
- Mickelson said he helped recruit three “top players” to the new league, and that they paid attorneys to write the operating agreement with the Super Golf League.
- The league could announce its launch during Players Championship week — March 10-13 — a PGA Tour flagship event.
Lefty’s Angle
Despite his extensive involvement with the Super Golf League, Mickelson said his real target is the PGA Tour.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates,” he said. “They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse.”
He added that “the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage” to pressure PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan into making changes.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, one of a handful of top golfers who openly oppose the Super Golf League, blasted Mickelson’s comments Sunday, calling them “naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant.”
![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/USATSI_28173566_168416386_lowres.jpg?quality=80&w=1024)
