Phil Mickelson sends message to critics and issues warning to his LIV Golf rivals

Phil Mickelson hyped up the support behind the LIV Golf UK event, as well as his own game as he made his way to JCB Golf and Country Club for his second round on Saturday.

Mickelson became the trailblazer for the breakaway league following its inception two years ago, and since then has seen a number of other big names follow in its footsteps. Since making the Saudi switch in 2022, both Mickelson and the league have faced criticism.

Ahead of the second round of LIV’s UK event on Saturday however, the six-time major winner was quick to remind those who have turned their noises at the breakaway league of its remarkable rise.

All three days of the 54-hole tournament at JCB have a sell-out general admission crowd and Mickelson alluded to this on Saturday morning after posting a clip of fans queuing to enter the site. “Sold out LIV event (again),” he tweeted along with the video from his car.

Mickelson also highlighted that he feels like has re-found his form, after failing to produce his best golf since opting to sign on the dotted line with Greg Norman and co. “I found my game (finally) Its going to be an awesome day,” he added. Mickelson kicked off his week with one-under-par 71 on Friday.

And things could have been even better for the former PGA Tour star if it was not for a double bogey at the par-four 16th. Mickelson made four birdies throughout his opening round, and had the UK crowd behind when making three on the bounce between the 10th and the 12th.

Sold out LIV event(again)
I found my game (finally)
Its going to be an awesome day. pic.twitter.com/RMAbOkc3aI

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) July 27, 2024

Once regarded as one of the planet’s greatest golfers during his prime, Mickelson has struggled to replicate his best golf since making the career change to LIV. The American star is yet to secure victory whilst playing on the breakaway circuit, having broken into the top-10 on just three occasions in 30 starts.

His best finish on the LIV setup came in Jeddah earlier this year, where he finished in a tie for sixth at 10-under-par, seven shots back of Joaquin Niemann. Mickelson has played a big part in the growth of the Saudi-funded league both on and off the course, and opened up on its progress at Valderrama earlier this month.

“I think the progress, how far we’ve come is what I like to focus on. We are not where we want to be but sometimes you have to identify progress,” he said in Spain. Like if you are improving your game, even if you’re not winning, you need to identify the progress and say look, I’ve come a long way in the last time period.

“We’ve come a long ways the last two years, and we’re building momentum. We are not where we want to be. But we are on our way and we’ve come a long way. I think it’s important to identify the progress we’ve made.”