There have been a lot of changes over the past few years in the world of professional golf, and more changes are expected as we head into the future. Many are hoping that the fracture between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf gets resolved, bringing the best players in the game back together.
One of the other recent changes in the professional golfing world is the arrival of the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), an indoor venture spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The first season of the TGL wrapped up on Tuesday night, with the Atlanta Dream, led by Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Billy Horschel, beating the New York Golf Club in a thrilling final match.
In general, the first season of the TGL was a massive success, with fans turning out for the in-person experience at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, and ratings on ESPN looking strong.
This success has led the infamous Phil Mickelson, one of the players who has further driven the division in professional golf by leaving the PGA Tour for LIV, to turn heads with some glowing compliments of the new league.
“It would be great for golf if this were to succeed,” Mickelson said on social media. “The golf fan is the most loyal fan in sports. Buy a ticket, walk miles and see a fraction of the action, but this could allow the golf fan to buy a ticket, sit down and watch 100% of the action just like other sports. It could really be good for the game if it’s compelling.”
For someone who has been in the headlines recently due more to negative things that he has said, rather than positive, this sort of response is definitely sparking some speculation amongst fans.
Does Phil have an end-game here by throwing massive compliments at the TGL? He certainly could, be it trying to repair relationships with Woods and McIlroy amidst the ongoing rumors about an agreement between the PGA and LIV, rejoining the two sides. There is also a future where the TGL opens up its doors to LIV golfers, allowing players like Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm a seat at the table.
If that were to happen, Mickelson would undoubtedly be in line to create his own team as one of the biggest names in the sport, so it makes sense that he wants to get it out there that he is a fan of the product, and sees a bright future.
Whatever happens, it’s clear that Mickelson is a fan of what his longtime rival Tiger Woods has helped create in the golfing world, and he wants to have a hand to play in the future of it.
As spectators of the sport, Phil’s inclusion would be a great development.
Related: Phil Mickelson Faces Backlash for Controversial Statement About LIV Golf, Ryder Cup
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