Phil Mickelson has admitted that he shouldn’t be concerned within the 2025 Ryder Cup for Group USA as a result of he’s ‘a really divisive character’ in golf.
As one of many founding fathers of LIV Golf, the profitable breakaway group backed by the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF), Mickelson has performed a significant position in tearing aside the PGA Tour.
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Many golfers have since adopted, reminiscent of Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, whereas others like Rory McIlroy have remained loyal to the PGA trigger and denounced the LIV rebels.
The worth he pays contains denying him additional alternatives to be concerned with the Ryder Cup, having made 12 appearances and received the trophy on three events – in 1999, 2008 and 2016.
His final look got here again in 2018, and regardless of being vice-captain for the 2021 staff, he totally appreciates that he has no likelihood of being captain subsequent yr.
“I do not really feel I am the precise man to be concerned with the staff as a result of I am a really divisive character proper now, if you’ll, and I perceive that,” Mickelson instructed Pat McAfee.
“The gamers on the PGA Tour, there’s loads of hostilities in the direction of me, and I do not really feel I would be the perfect chief for them. I knew I used to be going to take some hits [after going to LIV Golf]. I am OK with that.
“And as a divisive particular person, I do not assume I am the perfect unifier going ahead for the Ryder Cup and that is that is superb as a result of I’ve had so many nice reminiscences with it.”
Mickelson goes from hero to villain
In Mickelson’s case, he has gone from being of the U.S’s most cherished gamers to the enemy within the eyes of some, however he’s keen to reside with the criticism after selecting the riches promised by the LIV Tour.
He signed an enormous $200 million contract in 2022 only for giving his rights to compete within the PGA Championship. A yr on from the launch of the brand new regime in golf, the 53-year-old believes the long run is vibrant.
“I am excited in regards to the route {of professional} golf,” Mickelson mentioned. “I am optimistic in regards to the future. I am optimistic in regards to the development of LIV and I am optimistic in regards to the world development of the sport.”
