Saturday September 30, 2023

Phil Mickelson: LIV Golf Provided ‘Leverage’ for PGA Tour Players

  • Mickelson: "I’m extremely happy that the top players are being listened to."
  • The PGA Tour announced a series of sweeping changes in August.
Jonathan Ferrey/LIV Golf via Getty Images
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

BOSTON — As Phil Mickelson approached the first tee — his third hole of the day due to LIV Golf’s shotgun start — he had an easy smile amidst the words of encouragement from the Boston gallery.

It could be because he finally feels like he’s making progress on the mission he set out to accomplish with his departure for LIV from the PGA Tour.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Mickelson expressed his pleasure with the sweeping changes to the Tour’s structure announced last week.

Among the updates is the expectation that the Tour’s top players will play in more FedEx Cup regular-season events and several elevated tournaments that will have an average purse of $20 million.

“They are getting a lot [of money] for it,” said Mickelson. “So I’m extremely happy that the top players are being listened to and that their input is being valued. And that those events are coming about.’’

While the 52-year-old wouldn’t go as far as saying he felt vindicated by the moves, he did recognize that the pressure from LIV was a huge factor in getting these changes to come about.

“Unless there was leverage, nothing was going to change,” he said. “All players should be appreciative of what LIV is doing. The players on LIV for the opportunity they are getting. And the PGA Tour for the leverage that was provided to get these changes done.’’

Mickelson and his team Hy Flyers GC are playing Round 1 of the LIV Golf Invitational Boston on Friday.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.

ESPN, Tiger-Rory Golf League Close To Long-Term Deal

New entity backed by Woods, McIlroy nears critical agreement

Endeavor, Fenway Sports Could Offer Competition to PGA Tour’s Saudi Deal

U.S. investors are reportedly wanting to get involved with the Tour.
Patrick Reed

Judge Dismisses Both of Patrick Reed’s Defamation Cases

A federal judge dismissed both of Patrick Reed’s defamation cases.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.
Toy Story
September 29, 2023

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 29, 2023

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.
Taylor Swift reacts while sitting next to Donna Kelce watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears game during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 28, 2023

Taylor Swift Is Affecting The NFL, Chiefs Ticket Markets

Swift will visit her second NFL stadium in as many weeks.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Mahomes’ restructured Chiefs deal will pay him $210.6 million through 2026, the most in NFL history over a four-year span.

Patrick Mahomes Restructures Chiefs Contract for Historic Payday

Mahomes' restructured deal breaks the NFL record for a four-year span.
Simona Halep
exclusive
September 18, 2023

Former World No. 1 Simona Halep Says ‘There Is No Proof’ Behind Doping Ban

Simona Halep continues to fight her doping ban.
Eli-Manning-New-York-Giants
September 15, 2023

Eli Manning: Keep MetLife Field Turf

Eli Manning feels that MetLife Stadium should keep its artificial turf field.
September 12, 2023

Rodgers’ Season-Ending Injury Carries Huge Business Impacts

Marquee quarterback lost for entire season just four plays into first game
Joe Burrow’s $275 million deal makes him the league’s highest-paid player, with an average annual salary of $55 million per year.
September 11, 2023

The 10 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks

Burrow's $275M extension is second to Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs deal.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates with the championship trophy after his match against Daniil Medvedev in the men's singles final on day fourteen of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
September 10, 2023

Novak Djokovic Extends Majors, Money Records With U.S. Open Win

Djokovic extends his all-time record men’s major victories (24).
Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates with the championship trophy after her match against Aryna Sabalenka in the women's singles final on day thirteen of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center.
September 9, 2023

Coco Gauff Arrives With U.S. Open Victory, Secures $3M Payday

Gauff earns $3 million for her first career Grand Slam victory.
Travis Kelce
September 7, 2023

Travis Kelce Talks Positional Values, Players Sports Betting Ahead of NFL Season

Kelce says tight ends should be paid off of production metrics.