Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson have come to symbolise both sides of golf’s civil war.

Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson have come to symbolise both sides of golf’s civil war.

So it is only fitting that their apparent truce signals what could be an imminent resolution between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

McIlroy and Mickelson are two of the biggest names in golf
McIlroy and Mickelson are two of the biggest names in golf
McIlroy recently softened his stance on the Saudi-backed breakaway league and Mickelson opened his arms to the Northern Irishman in response.

It triggered renewed optimism that the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund [PIF], who bankroll LIV Golf, can strike a final deal and bring golf back together.

But how did we get here? Much like this latest development, it is a long story which can be shortened through the lens of McIlroy vs Mickelson.

 

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In many ways, six-time major winner Mickelson was the one who declared war back in November 2021, even though he did not know it at the time.

He revealed his leading role in the birth of LIV Golf, including the writing of its very operating agreement and recruitment of players, in a conversation with journalist Alan Shipnuck that would become public in February 2022.

 

Mickelson said: “They’re scary motherf****** to get involved with.

“We know they killed [Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay.

 

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“Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.

Mickelson [right] and CEO Greg Norman are the architects of LIV GolfCredit: Getty
“They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse. As nice a guy as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right.

“And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want [LIV] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.”

Mickelson’s comments sparked widespread outrage and the 53-year-old announced an indefinite break from the game.

McIlroy had already positioned himself against the idea of a breakaway league and responded to his rival’s comments in amusing fashion.

“I don’t want to kick someone while he’s down obviously, but I thought they were naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant,” the world No.2 said.

Good job not kicking him while he’s down, Rory.

Mickelson was among a number of LIV Golf rebels who tried to sue the PGA Tour on their way out.

While McIlroy remained friendly with LIV players such as Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, who left quietly, a number of PGA Tour loyalists saw the litigants as traitors and still struggle to forgive them.

While speaking about NFL star Josh Allen’s love for the PGA Tour, McIlroy said: “Yeah but he’s a Mickelson fan, so I don’t know.”

Another voice added: “Sounds like the guy is losing credibility!”

And McIlroy responded: “F*** you Phil! I hope that makes it in.”

LIV and its billions inevitably gained some momentum – and Mickelson would soon rediscover his voice.

In June 2023, responding to McIlroy’s call for an off-season in golf, Mickelson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “LIV would be perfect for him.”

But he went on to add: “Problem is I don’t think there’s a team that wants him on it because they’d have to deal with all his BS.”

Three days later, everything changed when the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with the PIF that nobody, not even McIlroy, saw coming.

 

Having recently left the PGA Tour Policy Board, McIlroy now reflects on the saga with a different view, admitting he was too ‘judgemental’ and LIV Golf could be ‘fun’ if it finds a way to fit inside golf’s existing ecosystem.

Speaking to Gary Neville and co. on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, the 34-year-old said: “I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start.

“It was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realise that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods’ position.

“I can’t judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgemental at the start.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve lost the fight against LIV, but I’ve just accepted the fact that this is part of our sport now. We’re professional golfers and we play to make a living and make money, so I understand it.”

McIlroy’s comments were those of a man who finally accepted it is impossible to stop a bottomless sovereign wealth fund from getting its seat at the table.

The PIF responded to the PGA Tour’s attempts to explore alternative partners by taking Rahm in a deal reported to be worth £444m.