04 January 2024 , 13:14
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Phil Mickelson appears to have drawn a line under his fierce rivalry with Rory McIlroy, after the Northern Irishman softened his stance on the LIV Golf setup.
On Wednesday McIlroy admitted he had made a 'mistake' with his initial criticism of the breakaway league, and the players who chose to make the Saudi switch. The four-time major winner also appeared to accept the rival circuit's often criticised format, and called for the world of golf to come back together after nearly two years of drama.
"I think at this point, I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV golf at the start, and I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realise that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods' position," McIlroy told Sky Bet's Stick to Football.
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“I can understand why some golfers have gone over to LIV. At the end of the day, we’re professional golfers and we play to make a living and make money, so I understand it." One of those who of course made the move was Mickelson, and it is fair to say that has not been much love lost between the two since.
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On the back of McIlroy's latest comments though, it seems the six-time major champion is also willing to bring an end to the feud. Taking to X, he wrote: "This quote and the many others made today by Rory probably weren’t easy to say. Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on.
"Rather, It’s time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future." The latest twist in the saga came last month, after LIV were able to lure in one of the PGA Tour's most prized assets in Masters champion Jon Rahm.
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McIlroy's softened stance appeared to come on the back of Rahm's switch, having previously called on Ryder Cup bosses to 'rewrite the rules' in a bid to allow the Spaniard to represent Team Europe in the States next September. He too had kind words for his Ryder Cup teammate on Wednesday, hailing his decision to join LIV a 'smart' one.
"Jon is a smart guy and I think he sees things coming together at some point so he’s thinking that he’ll take the upfront money, which is his prerogative, and if things come together, he’ll play LIV for a year then come back to play on the tour and play some team golf.
“I thought it was a smart business move from Jon – it’s opportunistic. I think he sees that things will come back together and he’s in a lucky position." And his new LIV colleague Mickelson believes the signing of Rahm has sparked a new dawn for the world of professional golf.
"Rahm's signing is turning into a bridge to bring both sides together," he added. "As evidenced by the many comments today and a month ago about changing the rules for the Ryder Cup so Jon and others can play, so let’s use it as such. Until an agreement is reached it will be business as usual for both sides but hopefully without the needless disdain."