Mickelson's LIV Golf playing days may be over with Watson to suffer same fate

13 February 2024 , 00:10

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Phil Mickelson's playing days could soon be over (Image: Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson could well be set to take on a non-playing role at LIV Golf alongside Bubba Watson, when the pair's current contracts with the league expire.

Mickelson was the man who began the player exodus from the PGA Tour to the LIV setup, having pledged his loyalties to the Saudi-backed league ahead of its inaugural event in June 2022. Since then the six-time major winner has been an ever-present on the circuit, but his playing days could soon be over.

According to Mickelson's biographer, Alan Shipnuck, the 53-year-old's next contract with the breakaway league could be one as a non-playing captain.

READ MORE: Tiger Woods disagrees with Rory McIlroy's LIV Golf u-turn as doubt grows over merger

Each of the team captains were handed a four-year deal from Greg Norman and co, as was 2023 individual champion Talor Gooch. Per Shipnuck, players will re-enter negotiations with league bosses towards the end of 2025, with Mickelson and Watson potentially moving away from the on-course action.

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In 20 events on the LIV circuit, Mickelson has just two top-10 finishes to his name, having struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the sport's greatest ever players during his time on the PGA Tour. Two-time Masters winner Watson has faced similar struggles too.

In his first full campaign on the Saudi-backed series, RangeGoats captain Watson has made his way into the top-10 just once, with his best LIV performance coming in Tulsa last May. The former green jacket winner has discussed his future on the circuit previously, having failed to find his best form.

Bubba Watson is the captain of the RangeGoats (AP)

Speaking at LIV Greenbrier last summer, Watson admitted he would be open to taking a non-playing role with the RangeGoats, if it was the wish of his teammates. "I told my team if they don’t think I am good enough to play, they can kick me out and we will put another good golfer in my place.

"I am going to play until they kick me out. I love helping the young guys. They are all trying to be better and also better at golf. I get to influence three golfers in life, they are all parents and young dads. I want to be there for them and if they have a problem, I want to be able to help them."

Mickelson meanwhile has also vowed to retire from golf in recent years, but there is a catch. The American is one victory away from the career Grand Slam, with the U.S. Open the only major championship title he is yet to get his hands on.

And if he does finally get over the line in his home Open, he would end his playing career there. "If I win the US Open, I will retire," he told Golf Digest in February 2022. That would be my last tournament. I will have achieved the career Grand Slam and I won’t have anything more to prove.”

Joshua Lees