Phil Mickelson open to LIV Golf format changes after Jon Rahm demand

10 January 2024 , 20:19

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Phil Mickelson is open to the LIV Golf format changing (Image: (Photo by Stuart Kerr/R&A/R&A via Getty Images))

Phil Mickelson has revealed he is open to the idea of LIV Golf changing its format, a demand made by £450 million signing Jon Rahm prior to his move last month.

Mickelson has emerged as one of LIV's biggest advocates having led the first wave of stars in joining the breakaway league back in the summer of 2022. The LIV setup has prided itself on a differing format to its PGA Tour rivals, with events played over 54 holes with no cut.

Tournament tee times are also different too, with each day's play at every event beginning with a shotgun start, where all 54 players tee off the same time, bar the two leaders on Sunday who begin their final round 10 minutes later.

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Ahead of LIV's second full season, HyFlyers captain was questioned on whether the Saudi-backed series could well adopt a different format for its final rounds, more specifically a traditional tee time running on the Sunday to build drama around the final pair.

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Asked whether he would be open to the idea on the Pat McAfee Show, he responded: "Absolutely. This is the feedback that we want. Right now we have been starting two groups off No. 1, so you have the leaders that tee off one group behind the shotgun start.

"But you are right, that is the great about this product. It is new and it is agile, we can change it. We want to make the best product and we are going to, and we want your feedback, we want fans' feedback on what the experience is like. Absolutely that is what it is all about."

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Phil Mickelson opened up on potential LIV Golf changes (Getty Images)

Mickelson's openness to support a change in format will be music to the ears of latest signing, Rahm. Prior to his shock switch in December, the Masters champion had previously played down any chance of him signing with Mickelson and co, with the format being the main hurdle.

On the back of his mega-money move though, Rahm did admit he was willing to work with the format for now, but hoped those in charge may well listen to some of his suggestion changes moving forward. "The growth that I’ve seen and how it’s become a global business and can impact golf globally in a meaningful way is very enticing," Rahm said.

"For all those things I like about this movement, there are always going to be things that are not perfect. That’s something I can live with. It’s an ever-growing and ever-changing machine. I hope the leaders of LIV Golf might listen to my advice and see some changes in the future that are better for the future of the game."

Joshua Lees