Phil Mickelson ready ‘to let go of our hostilities’ as Rory McIlroy apologizes for ‘little judgemental’ remarks on LIV Golf

Phil Mickelson has supported the comments of Rory McIlroy and called for peace between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Phil Mickelson ready ‘to let go of our hostilities’ as Rory McIlroy apologizes for ‘little judgemental’ remarks on LIV Golf

Phil Mickelson (L) and Rory McIlroy (R) [Image via NBC Sports]

The golfing world received a major shock on Wednesday when Rory McIlroy apologized for his earlier remarks on LIV Golf. The North Irish golfer appearing on the Stick to Football podcast claimed he was a “little judgmental” for criticizing players of LIV Golf. Phil Mickelson now seems happy with this and has extended his hand to build the bridge between the two tours.

Before the announcement of the PGA-LIV merger, the two tours had fought against each other. They had several lawsuits filed against them. Golfers from both tours attacked each other with several jibes while trying to get an upper hand on one other following the establishment of the 54-hole circuit in 2022.

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In December 2023, LIV Golf got its hands on Jon Rahm. The signing off the reigning Masters champion for a $600 million move has played a huge part in these words from McIlroy. Unlike his stance on other players, the four-time major champion supported his Ryder Cup teammate’s move. Pointing this out, Mickelson supported the words of McIlroy and claimed they were ready to “let go of our hostilities“.

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This quote and the many others made today by Rory probably weren’t easy to say. Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on. Rather, It’s time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future. Rahms’ signing is turning into a bridge to bring both sides together.
Phil Mickelson supporting Rory McIlroy on X.

Rory McIlroy calls Jon Rahm’s LIV switch a smart business move

The unexpected reversal on this stance of LIV Golf from Rory McIlroy has left golf fans in shock. The 34-year-old was a huge defender of the PGA Tour and did not waste any opportunity to take a shot at the Saudi-funded tour. The move of Jon Rahm though seems to have eased him a bit. He would support the Spanish golfer’s decision and call it a smart business move.

Rahm left the PGA Tour on a reported $600 million deal. His move saw several fans bash him as he had previously claimed not to be a fan of the format of LIV Golf. However, during his first interview following his switch, Rahm did mention that money played a part in it as he looked out for his family.

Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy
Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy (Pic Credit: NBC Sports)

While supporting his decision, McIlroy mentioned he was in no position to question the motive of his move. During the interview with the Stick to Football crew, he said:

I thought it was a smart business move from Jon – it’s opportunistic. I think he sees that things will come back together and he’s in a lucky position... I’ve got no problem with him going if that’s what he wants to do and he thinks that’s the right decision for him and his family.
Rory McIlroy on Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf.

With the deadline to reach a definitive agreement over the golf merger extended it is now likely that the two tours will be working close. This could be a significant step as the sport of golf gets ready to usher into a new era.

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