Phil Mickelson extends olive branch to PGA Tour amid Rory McIlroy stunning LIV reversal
McIlroy appeared to change his attitude toward LIV Golf, prompting Mickelson to let bygones be bygones.
Rory McIlroy's change of heart about LIV Golf has been one of the biggest topics in golf during the four short days of 2024. Brooks Koepka and his wife poked fun following his opinion change, but one of the rival league's most prominent voices didn't.
Phil Mickelson loves Twitter. He enjoys commenting on anything and everything; however, this time, he left the digs at home. Mickelson came to the Northern Irishman's side and sent a call to action.
"This quote and the many others made today by Rory [McIlroy] probably weren't easy to say. Let's not use this as an opportunity to pile on," Mickelson wrote. "Rather, It's time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future."
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. Rahms’ signing is turning into a bridge to bring… https://t.co/KG2wifcWvT
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) January 4, 2024
McIlroy explained how LIV Golf exposed the weaknesses of the PGA Tour. He even went so far as to criticize himself for criticizing others for joining the Saudi circuit.
Mickelson acknowledged that, and his tweet should remind people of the greater goal.
"Rahm’s signing is turning into a bridge to bring both sides together, 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," he wrote. "Until an agreement is reached, it will be business as usual for both sides, but hopefully without the needless disdain."
Ending the divide is the ultimate goal. Golf needs to come together and find a common ground because this division is not good for the game. Maybe that was part of McIlroy's mindset behind his comments, and maybe Mickelson realizes that after this tweet.
Needless disdain has existed since LIV Golf launched two years ago. For one of the loudest voices on LIV to say it's time to stop, hopefully it carries credibility.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.