Phil Mickelson has boldly claimed that "all players" should be grateful for the work LIV Golf has done since its controversial inception.
The six-time major champion is among the most high-profile names to jump ship from the PGA Tour, and his LIV Golf switch back in June was arguably the most divisive.
Mickelson has been joined by the likes of Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and most recently Open champion Cameron Smith at LIV Golf, and with a host of huge names moving over, the PGA Tour have done everything they can to stop the momentum from building even further.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan recently announced radical changes to the circuit from 2023 to counter the threat of the lucrative Saudi-backed series, while Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have also led the way - setting up a new technology inspired golf league called the TGL.
And now Mickelson believes that everyone in golf should be "appreciative" of what LIV and his fellow defectors have done for forcing Monahan and the PGA Tour's hand.
"It was stated very clearly that nothing was going to happen," he told Sport Illustrated's Bob Harig .
"Unless there was leverage, nothing was going to change. And all players should be appreciative of what LIV is doing.
"The players on LIV for the opportunity they are getting. And the PGA Tour for the leverage that was provided to get these changes done.
"I don’t think vindication is what I would say. I would say I’m generally happy that the top players who are really driving the Tour and creating the interest are being listened to. And what they are doing for the Tour is being valued now. I’m happy to see that happen."
