23 May 2023 , 22:08
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Phil Mickelson has once again ignited the feud between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, after taking a dig at the American-based circuit's newly introduced schedule.
Mickelson became arguably the biggest name to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf last summer, and has not held back in his criticism of his former tour since. The six-time major winner has been a talisman in leading the breakaway league against their PGA Tour rivals.
In a bid to thwart off the mega-money LIV Golf assault, Tour commissioner Jay Monahan introduced an 'elevated event' schedule for 2023, with the aim of keeping his playing quota onside.
Whilst a huge increase in prize money was on offer, it has come with its problems with a number of players complaining about the relentlessness of the schedule. Things could not be more different on the Saudi-funded series though, with one of LIV's major pull its much more relaxed calendar.
And this was highlighted by Mickelson in his latest post on social media. Taking to Twitter, the six-time major champion wrote: "Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors. Enough events to keep you sharp, fresh and ready, yet not be worn down from too many tournaments or obligations.
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"14 LIV events, 34 weeks left open to prepare for the 4 majors. Fact." Mickelson's theory clearly worked for fellow LIV man Brooks Koepka, who secured his fifth major title with victory at the PGA Championship ahead of Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler on Sunday.
Koepka's victory was an important one for the Saudi-funded series, with the American proving a number of LIV's critics wrong, who were quick to question whether the rebel players had what it takes to compete with their PGA Tour rivals at major events.
Brooks Koepka secrued the PGA Championship title (Getty Images)Clearly happy to prove his - and LIV's - doubters wrong, Koepka said: "Yeah, I definitely think it helps LIV, but I'm more interested in my own self right now, to be honest with you. Yeah, it's a huge thing for LIV, but at the same time I'm out here competing as an individual at the PGA Championship.
"I'm just happy to take this home for the third time. "To win a major is always a big deal no matter where you're playing. All it does, I just think, validates it for myself. "I guess maybe if anybody doubted it from Augusta or whatever, any doubts anybody on TV might have or whatever, I'm back, I'm here."