LIV Golf’s Phil Mickelson Critiques Tiger and Rory’s TGL

LIV Golf’s Phil Mickelson recently critiqued Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL golf league, which just wrapped up its first season.

Surprisingly, Mickelson believes TGL is a great thing for golf, and as he has pushed for the players to have a more important piece of the pie, it is not totally out of bounds to see that the Six-Time Major Champion is supportive of the new league.

It was surely something to hear Mickelson speak positively about what TGL is doing for the game, highlighting some of the inadequacies of professional golf on a course, as he called TGL’s initial success “great news.”

Mickelson said in full:

“That’s great news! It would be great for golf if this were to succeed. The golf fan is the most loyal fan in sports. Buy a ticket, walk miles, and see a fraction of the action, but this could allow the golf fan to buy a ticket, sit down, and watch 100% of the action just like other sports. It could really be good for the game if it’s compelling.”

That’s great news! It would be great for golf if this were to succeed. The golf fan is the most loyal fan in sports. Buy a ticket, walk miles and see a fraction of the action, but this could allow the golf fan to buy a ticket, sit down and watch 💯 of the action just like other…

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) March 26, 2025

Mickelson’s synopsis of TGL does highlight a lot of great things that it has over golf out on a course. Initially, walking a golf course is fun, but it is tiresome, it is a long day, and you have to truly strategize to see who you want to see.

Anyone who has been to a pro tournament knows it is difficult to maneuver your way to a tee box to have a good view of your favorite players. Knowing the course is key, and knowing the pairings and where they are during their round is crucial.

The positive remarks surrounding a PGA TOUR-supported golf league from Mickelson, who was very critical of how the TOUR operated after he had departed, could signal somewhat of an ulterior motive.

LIV could come into TGL with its own teams, potentially integrating its players into the league, which could be the first indication of things to come in a broader sense.

Cover Image via Golf