Phil Mickelson tells why LIV Golf has the potential to be successful globally at the same time

Fifty-two-year-old, now legendary golfer Phil Mickelson has always been a huge draw for golf fans and the PGA Tour. In his glory days, he filled the sports pages of American newspapers, with literally swarms of fans following him on the course. But he’s also one of the first players to make the move to the newly formed LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Mickelson is practically the perfect example of a player who is probably already far more eager to secure his livelihood than the crowds that chant his name around the greens. He sort of suspects that his best years on the green are long behind him, no longer among the ones the best players on the course have to watch out for.

But at the same time, he hasn’t forgiven himself in the past for words of criticism towards the PGA Tour and its approach to players. That is why his move to LIV Golf is a kind of logical outcome of his rich career.

Whether or not Mickelson wanted to continue to play on the PGA Tour, the American circuit was the first ever to issue him a suspension. He allegedly became a secret unofficial recruiter for LIV Golf to recruit other players from the traditional circuit for a newly created competition subsidized by Saudi Arabian state money.

MICKELSON BELIEVES IN LIV’S SUCCESS

Today, he is almost a full-fledged member of LIV Golf. Despite his, in these times, already poor playing performance, he is one of the biggest marketing draws in the rebel enterprise. His voice is still heard in the golf world. It is also for these reasons that he tries to highlight the “Saudi League” in his interviews, which is so criticized by the public and experts.

Mickelson, like many other players, claims that playing golf at the LIV gives them much more freedom. They are not forced to tour golf course after golf course week after week to earn enough money. At LIV Golf they talk about “general wealth”. Players also feel good about finally being able to spend more time with their families.

Mickelson specifically got a $200 million cash bonus for signing with LIV. He certainly wouldn’t be able to make that kind of money on the PGA Tour today.

However, it’s not just the financial aspect that enticed the golf legend. Mickelson also likes that LIV Golf has the potential to become a more global competition.

“The LIV has a chance to bring professional golf to the whole world. I think that’s a really big thing because we’re trying to grow the game of golf around the world. We may not feel it here in the United States, but globally I think it’s going to have a big impact,” thinks the nicknamed Lefty, who was interviewed on golf.com.

Another plus he sees attracting a younger audience:: “Over the last five years, the average age of the audience has risen to 64, I think. We need to target the younger generation,” believes Mickelson.

One way is to have an innovative format that doesn’t force viewers to watch golf 12 hours a day. At LIV Golf Tour tournaments, all players start at the same time on a different hole. That means one round lasts about four and a half hours, which should make it more bearable for the viewer.

Instead of four rounds, as is traditional on the PGA Tour, the new format includes three rounds. Team competitions are also a bonus, from which players can pocket extra dollars.

Sources:: LIV Golf, Golf.com