A few years ago, there was talk in the golf world that Phil Mickelson, a New York metropolitan crowd favorite, would be a perfect fit to be Bethpage Black's Ryder Cup captain in 2025.
But times have changed, and Mickelson understands that.
Mickelson, a six-time major champion, said Wednesday on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he was one of the first players to leave the PGA Tour and join the tour in Saudi Arabia, making him the U.S. Ryder Cup captain. He said he didn't think so. -Funds LIV Golf and is one of its chief promoters.
Mickelson, a two-time U.S. Open player, said: “I don't feel right to be involved with the team because right now I'm a very divisive person, and I understand that.'' ” he said. While speaking with McAfee at Bethpage Black about LIV and his PGA Tour status.
“The players on the PGA Tour have a lot of animosity toward me, but I don't think I'm the best leader for them.”
Mickelson's acknowledgment, 53, shows how the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV has changed the landscape of golf.
Mickelson was suspended from the PGA Tour for his involvement in promoting LIV and subsequently joined the breakaway league in June 2022.
He also said the Riders' captain needs to have good relationships with his players, without personal drama, and be “someone they want to follow” as a leader.
“I knew I was going to get some hits.” [after going to LIV Golf]. I’m OK with that,” said Mickelson, who played on every U.S. Ryder Cup team from 1995 to 2018 and served as co-captain in 2021. I don't think I'm the best organizer going into the Ryder Cup, but that's okay because I have a lot of great memories. ”
The PGA of America has not announced the next U.S. captain.
Tiger Woods is considered one of the front-runners, but has not expressed interest in 2025.
Europe has already announced that Luke Donald will return as captain in 2025 after scoring a commanding victory over Italy's Marco Simone in September.
The PGA Tour recently informed players in a memo that negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund over its planned merger with LIV Golf will continue into the new year.
Rory McIlroy, who has had a feud with Mickelson and other LIV golfers in recent years, said he might be “too critical” about his departure from Mickelson and other LIV golfers, among other comments about the golf world. Recently, his attitude has softened.
Days later, Mickelson also tried to defuse tensions with McIlroy. In the post of XRory's comments said, “It may not have been easier said than done.”
“Let's not use this as an opportunity to accumulate,” Mickelson wrote. “Rather, it is time for me and others to let go of hostility and work toward a positive future. [Jon] Rahms' deal is the bridge that brings the two together, as evidenced by the many comments today and a month ago about changing the Ryder Cup rules to allow John and other players to play. So let's use it as is.
“It will be business as usual for both parties until an agreement is reached, but we hope there will be no unnecessary disrespect.”
— With AP
