Phil Mickelson's assertion that LIV Golf has 'renewed his passion' for the game has come under fire from fans of the sport.
Mickelson's public downfall from the lovable Lefty to golf's new pariah has centred around his involvement in the contentious LIV series that has shaken the sport to its core. Greg Norman has utilised the oil-riches of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund to tear up the sport's status quo by poaching some of its biggest names.
And 52-year-old Mickelson has been front and centre of the LIV storm in a year where his reputation amongst golf fans has been left in tatters. The six-time major winner has been engulfed in the sport's fierce civil war, firmly siding with the Saudi-backed series despite inflammatory comments describing its financial backers in the Gulf State as 'scary motherf*****s'
Mickelson was one of LIV's biggest early coups given his status as a legend of the sport, and has played in the fledgling series ever since its first event at the Centurion Club in June. That outing came after a four month competitive break from action, and Mickelson's form has suffered amid the chaos that has ensued surrounding the ostentatious LIV venture
He has made the top 10 just once in a LIV event in a year where the action on the fairways has largely taken a backseat. The fierce civil war thrashed out in the courtrooms with the rivalling PGA and DP World Tour's has instead taken precedent.
Mickelson has now taken to Twitter after the finale of the inaugural LIV season in Miami, posting: "Thank you to my fellow players, fans, teammates, and especially everyone at LIVGolf. I’m so proud and happy to be a part of this evolution in professional golf. My passion for the game has been renewed and I can’t wait for LIV Golf Season 2."
But such is the nature of his demise in popularity, his replies were punctuated with criticism. Mickelson became the oldest major winner with his PGA Championship victory at Kiawah Island 18 months ago and some fans have struggled to grasp how an invitational series comprising of 54-hole, no cut events could have reignited his love for golf.
"You literally had one of the most iconic major wins of the last 50 years right before going to LIV. Your passion for the game needed to be renewed?" one fan replied.
"Wait, when was his first season?" another quipped, perhaps referencing the lack of coverage LIV has received without a TV broadcaster. "Nothing to do with the millions of dollars hey?," read another reply.
Despite its widespread consternation, LIV's disruption plan of golf is set to continue next year with a fixed 14-event calendar, with no signs of a peace breakout with the sport's traditional tours.
