19th Hole
‘My legacy is being built right now’ – Phil Mickelson on his role in the changing landscape of pro golf
It’s been one of, if not the most, dramatic years in golf’s professional history, with the new LIV Golf Series sending shockwaves throughout the sport.
- Related: McIlroy takes aim at Mickelson’s conduct while Greg Norman trolls in the wake of PGA Tour changes
At the heart of the breakaway LIV Golf Series is Phil Mickelson, whose statement to Alan Shipnuck that he was using LIV as ‘leverage’ against the PGA Tour forced Lefty into exile amid a fierce backlash to the comments Mickelson later described as “reckless”.
- Related: Phil Mickelson reveals the untapped market that will ‘revolutionize the way golf is viewed’
The 52-year-old re-emerged when he signed for LIV Golf, for a fee of around $200 million, and his return to the course saw the 6-time major champ struggle mightily with his play while also having to deal with hecklers unhappy with his actions.
However, in reaction to the upstart LIV Golf, the PGA Tour recently announced several changes to its respective tour that will see several huge financial benefits offered to its top-tier and lower-tier members.
The changes were so monumental that they even prompted Alan Shipnuck to react by saying: “Phil was right.”
In a recent interview with Bob Harig of SI, Mickelson opened up on a number of topics surrounding the current state of affairs of professional golf and dismissed the idea that his legacy may have been negatively affected by his deeds in 2022.
I feel that my legacy is being built right now.” said Mickelson. “The changes that professional golf are going through I believe are in the best interest for the fans and the players. I feel that it’s being built right now. It hurts to see so much hostility and negativity, for sure. I really believe in the end it’s going to be worth it and I think in the long run everyone is going to come out ahead.”
“So my legacy is being built. But I also have 30 years of being a part of the Tour and appreciate what the Tour has given me and my family. And those relationships that have been formed and the connections with fans. So many memories and moments and friendships.”
According to Mickelson, the changes the PGA Tour has made that are going to earn players a lot more money in the future has prompted tour members to reach out to him and thank him for his role in the injection of cash.
Asked by Harig had any players either thanked him or acknowledged to him that he had some underlying points that were valid, Mickelson responded:
“Yes, numerous. And I’m very appreciative. They are from both sides. I think players on both sides of LIV and the PGA Tour are appreciative of what is happening. Every player is benefiting.’’
In addition, Mickelson revealed to Harig that he “wholeheartedly believes” that he’ll be at Augusta in 2023 for the Masters, and while he doesn’t feel “vindicated” by the recent PGA Tour changes, he admitted that “I’m generally happy that the top players who are really driving the Tour and creating the interest are being listened to.”
As for a truce between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Mickelson believes that things will eventually work themselves out.
“I think we’re in a bit of a grace period before it all works itself out. I believe it will in time. I believe these organizations will come together in time and find a solution. The upside is tremendously high, especially on a global scale. So I’ve moved forward to try and help promote that and LIV Golf.’’
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19th Hole
“Is it a Titleist?” – Jerry Seinfeld shares never-before-heard details of iconic scene
On Thursday, legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld joined the Rich Eisen Show and shared an awesome story from a “Seinfeld” episode titled “The Marine Biologist.”
In the episode, a golf ball goes into the blow hole of a whale. According to Seinfeld, that was never in the episode’s script.
Seinfeld recalls saying the night before the filming of the episode, “What if what puts the whale in distress is Kramer’s golf ball?”
“He’s hitting golf balls at the beach. George is at the beach with a girl, we haven’t connected them!”
“We write that speech the night before at two o’clock in the morning…The sea was angry that day my friend.”
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Kramer finishes the iconic scene by asking “Is it a Titleist?” Seinfeld told Eisen the show sought Titleist’s permission to mention its name, saying the ball had to be a Titleist. Fortunately for lovers of the iconic show, the company agreed.
If (somehow) you’re unfamiliar with the scene, check it out below.
More from the 19th Hole
- Phil Mickelson drops big retirement hint; Says LIV will grow the game “on a much more global basis”
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Tiger explains why golf has “negative connotations” for daughter Sam
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19th Hole
Phil Mickelson drops big retirement hint; Says LIV will grow the game ‘on a much more global basis’
While speaking with Bloomberg, golf legend Phil Mickelson acknowledged that he is inching close towards retirement.
“I’m 53 now,” Phil said, “and my career, you know, it’s — if I’m being truthful, it’s on — it’s — it’s — I’m a — it’s towards its end.”
Mickelson added that one of his focuses now is helping other young players.
“Now, I would like to help others find the same enjoyment and fulfillment that the game has provided me. I’d like them to experience that as well.”
The six-time major champion credited LIV with reaching new markets in golf to help it grow.
“I think that’s exciting for everyone involved in the game because we are going to reach markets that we didn’t reach before. I think it’s going to inspire more golf courses, inspire more manufacturers selling clubs and equipment, but also inspiring young kids to try to play golf professionally. I just see that the game of golf is going to grow on a much more global basis because of the excitement and the presence that LIV Golf has.”
Mickelson is playing at this week’s LIV Singapore and shot a first round 72 (+1).
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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19th Hole
Tiger explains why golf has ‘negative connotations’ for daughter Sam
While Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, has certainly inherited his father’s love for golf, his daughter, Sam, has not.
On Wednesday, Tiger made an appearance on The Today Show with Carson Daly and explained his daughter’s relationship with golf.
“Golf has negative connotations for her. When she was growing up, golf took daddy away from her. I had to pack, I had to leave, and I was gone for weeks. So, there were negative connotations to it.
“We developed our own relationship and our own rapport outside of golf. We do things that doesn’t involve golf. Meanwhile, my son and I, everything we do is golf related.”
The nine-minute interview touches on plenty of other subjects, such as Tiger’s relationship with his late father, Earl.
It’s arguably the most open we’ve seen the 15-time major champion in an interview and is most definitely worth watching.
Tiger Woods sits down with Carson Daly to talk about golf, growing up in Southern California, his father and his new apparel line, Sun Day Red. pic.twitter.com/2TFbSNxzxq
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 1, 2024
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- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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