Phil Mickelson is taking part this week in the Saudi International, a tournament that this year becomes part of the Asian Tour calendar and that will include the participation of Spaniards Sergio García, Eugenio López-Chacarra and David Puig.
The ‘field’ also consists of the other stars of LIV Golf and they are joined by a player on the rise like Cameron Young, who was tempted by the Saudi circuit, but who remained on the PGA Tour.
Phil Mickelson, statements
Mickelson has given an extensive interview to Sport Illustrated in which he says that, despite the fact that he was looking forward to his move from the PGA to the LIV, he received strong criticism in the media that made the transition more difficult.
“I’m trying to put last year out of my head.” In any case, ‘Lefty’s’ competitive mentality is returning: “At 52, my body feels great. He had a great pre-season, I’m in very good shape and I’ve never had any injuries.” In fact, Phil revealed that he has lost 20 pounds and is “at my college weight.” All this makes him pose challenges that should be taken seriously coming from this player: “I will be able to play the ‘majors’ for the next three years and I think I have the opportunity to win one or two more and do something that has not been achieved at these ages.” The left-hander from San Diego assumes that he may no longer play on the PGA Tour, although he believes that this chapter may not be closed: “If I don’t play anymore, nothing will happen, but I think that next year I will have the opportunity if I want to [due to pending litigation].
Although I don’t know if I’ll have time”, he pointed out, because between ‘majors’ and LIV his calendar would be quite loaded, and he doesn’t want to compete so much. As he makes clear, Phil is no longer very interested in his previous ‘home’: “If I don’t win at the PGA, who cares? Another ‘major’ would be something unique.
And winning at the LIV, which is something that I have helped to build”. And about not going back to the Ryder? “I am also calm. I have loved being part of the Ryder Cup as a player 12 times and as vice-captain, once. I am proud of what I have done.
I like to see us [the USA] in this competition where we bring out our best golf, even if I’m not coming back,” Mickelson said. The winner of six ‘majors’, also analyzed the fact that LIV tournaments are not allowed to score for the world ranking: “There will probably be another classification system that is more credible since it will include all golfers in the world.
The It has lost all credibility. I wouldn’t be surprised if tournaments stop using it as a ranking criteria. I think ultimately it’s hurting the tournaments more than the players. If you’re a major and you use ranking as a rating factor, but this does not take into account the best players, it hurts the tournament more.
That’s why I think it’s possible that tournaments give this criteria aside or that a new ranking system emerges.”
