Phil Mickelson claims PGA Tour LIV merger ‘isn’t necessary’ as talks continue

Phil Mickelson believes a peace deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is not necessary having had his say on the ongoing negotiations between the Tour and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).

Mickelson has found himself at the centre of the fallout between the PGA Tour and LIV, having led an exodus of top stars in making the Saudi switch. Last June however, the bad blood between the two tours appeared to be coming to an end following the shock announcement of the framework agreement.

Tour commissioner Jay Monahan confirmed that the American-based circuit had entered talks with PIF, with peace within the professional game appearing to be a priority for both sides.

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Over 12 months a deal is yet to be finalised with talks ongoing, and whilst the end of the civil war appears to be growing closer, six-time major winner Mickelson has doubted as to whether a truce is even needed. “Is it necessary that there is a merger? Probably not,” he told Bloomberg.

“But it would be a good thing if there was not any hostility.” Mickelson appeared to cut all of his ties with the PGA Tour when opting to leave in search of pastures new with the breakaway league. Despite this, the three-time Masters champion admitted he may well have to let go some of frustrations with the Tour in order to move on.

“I need to let that stuff go,” he added. “I need to let go of all of those experiences I have had in the past that were less than positive. I need to let go of my hostilities, and we all do for the better of the game.” Those in the game have however been left frustrated by the ongoing wait for unification.

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Following the initial framework agreement announcement last June, the two sides confirmed a deadline of December 31, 2023 to complete the deal but this was of course missed. It was then claimed that hopes were then pointed towards completion by the Masters in April, but again it was not to be.

Per Mickelson biographer Alan Shipnuck, a ‘draft agreement’ between the Tour and PIF had been signed ahead of this month’s U.S. Open, but it remains to be seen what this means for the two rival tours in the near future. Amid the report, Monahan revealed in a memo to players that there was still work to do, despite some progress.

“PGA Tour Enterprises Transaction Subcommittee met in New York with Yasir Al–Rumayyan, as well as members of his team,” he wrote. “During that meeting, we reached consensus on several items, but both parties recognise that there is still work to do to reach a final agreement.

“Our talks are ongoing with the goal of developing a shared vision for the future of professional golf that is pro competitive and provides players with the best global opportunities.