• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 16, 2025

Phil Mickelson Seeks Release to Join Rival Tour

  • Phil Mickelson has requested a release from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf’s first tournament.
  • Up to 20 others have done the same.
Phil-Mickelson
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Mickelson could compete in both the PGA Tour’s flagship events and the inaugural tournament of the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf league, if granted permission.

Mickelson requested a release from the PGA Tour to play in LIV Golf’s event in June at the Centurion Club near London. He also signed up for the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open

Sergio Garcia, Robert Garrigus, and up to 20 others, possibly including 15th-ranked Louis Oosthuizen, have reportedly requested releases for the tournament, which carries a $25 million purse. 

The requests present the climax of the drama stirred by Mickelson’s support for LIV Golf.

  • After initially threatening lifetime bans, the PGA Tour shifted to grant conditional waivers to LIV’s tournaments.
  • Reports from earlier this month stated that Bubba Watson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Kevin Na were set to join LIV.
  • LIV’s June event conflicts with the PGA Tour’s Canadian Open, which has an $8.7 million purse.

LIV’s schedule includes five U.S. tournaments, plus one each in Bangkok and Jeddah, with prize purses totaling over $250 million. 

Lefty’s Turn

Mickelson turned heads in February after the release of an interview with author Alan Shipnuck in which he stated plainly that he was aware of Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, but saw the breakaway league as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.”

Mickelson’s comments led sponsors including Heineken-owned Amstel Light, KPMG, and Workday to break ties with the golfer. Callaway “paused” its partnership with Mickelson.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

From NFL to PGA Tour: How Brian Rolapp Could Reshape Golf

Brian Rolapp is set to become the PGA Tour’s first CEO.

Potential Goodell Successor Brian Rolapp Leaves NFL for PGA CEO Job

Rolapp is the architect of the NFL’s 11-year, $111 billion media deals.

U.S. Open Holds Steady With Largest Major Purse at $21.5M

This week’s winner will take home $4.3 million.

Featured Today

Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.
Devers

Devers Stunner Only Part of Wild Week for Fenway Sports Group

Red Sox fans immediately started making connections to soccer.
June 15, 2025

USMNT–Pulisic Drama Hits Gold Cup as FIFA’s Club World Cup Looms

The Gold Cup is being played at the same time as FIFA’s Club World Cup.
June 15, 2025

150–1 Longshot Spaun Wins Record U.S. Open Prize After Carnage at Oakmont

J.J. Spaun had only won once on the PGA Tour.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
June 14, 2025

Caitlin Clark Return Draws Sellout 15 Hours After Pacers Finals Game

Fever TV ratings dropped significantly while Clark was out.
Caitlin Clark
June 13, 2025

Caitlin Clark Likely to Return in Boost for ESPN, WNBA

Clark has missed the past five games due to a quad injury. 
Sloane Stephens
June 11, 2025

WTA Adds Player Ranking Protection for Fertility Treatment 

The new policy is believed to be the first of its kind. 
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
June 11, 2025

DeAndre Hopkins Eyes Venture Capital, Team Ownership

Hopkins, a 12-year NFL veteran, is anticipating his post-career.