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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