In a new wide-ranging interview with Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Mickelson has been speaking on a renewed focus, not interfering with rows between tours and his peace with being where he is in terms of a return to the main tours.
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The 52-year-old said that he is “in fantastic shape. I’ve never had injuries. I’ve made changes. I’m just putting last year out of my mind and disengaging. A lot of stuff happened, and I’m refocused on today and starting the year.”
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Confirming he still has the desire to compete at the highest level, Mickelson told Bob Harig, “I’m in every major for the next three years and I think I have a chance to win one or two more and create these accomplishments that haven’t been done at this stage. I feel like I can duplicate Kiawah.”
Kiawah was, of course, the venue at which Mickelson became the oldest-ever major champion, an event he was forced to withdraw from last season, and therefore unable to defend his sixth major.
He still believes he has what it takes, saying, “Now that I’ve had this time off, I’m ready to have a special year and do some things that have never been done by a player my age. That’s really what is driving me. It’s a unique opportunity nobody else has ever had.”
Mickelson maintains he still has good friends on both sides of the tour versus tour row, telling Harig:
“The relationships that are going to be affected were not really close and were more acquaintances. Their views are going to be altered by public perception or whatnot. The friends are still close.”
He is keen to forget what has happened, preferring not to comment on the current McIlroy/Reed saga – “That’s between them. That’s not really my thing or anything I want to get into,” but says he is fine with any decision regarding his own future on the PGA Tour.
“If I were never to play another PGA Tour event, I’m totally at peace with it,” confirmed Lefty.
“But I believe by next year I’ll have the opportunity if I want [due to the pending litigation]. I don’t know if I’ll have the time.
“I’m playing 19 events and don’t know how much more. I’d actually rather scale down the number of tournaments, because I’m also in the four majors. That’s a lot of golf.”
“But,” he said, “ I’m motivated and excited to get started. All of these things create new energy. Having teammates to push each other. I’m motivated, but I don’t see the benefit to playing more. The tournaments where you are going to leave a mark are the majors. That creates a life memory. If I win another Tour event, who cares? It’s not like it’s going to do anything for how I look at my career. Another major would be a unique, special moment. That’s really where I want to thrive. And sure, it would mean a lot to win some LIV events because of the role I’ve played as it’s been created.”
As with a handful of European tour players, there was a time when specific names would almost certainly be Ryder Cup captains.
Harig asked Mickelson how it felt to maybe not finish his own Ryder Cup legacy in a similar vein:
“I’m totally comfortable. … I’ve loved being part of the Ryder Cup as a player 12 times and as a vice captain once. I’ve had more great experiences than probably anybody. If I’m not a part of it, I’m at peace with that as well. And I’m proud of the role I’ve played in that. And the role in creating change and integrating player input and involvement. Having more continuity from year to year. I like seeing us play our best golf in the Ryder Cup, even if I’m not ever part of it again.”
Lefty speaks about his role at LIV, how he likes that, “we’re bringing golf to different parts of the world. And LIV has some of the greatest characters in the game. Controversial characters. Good or bad, love them or hate them, people are interested in them, positively or negatively,” and also comments on the current OWGR world rankings, saying, “This one has lost any credibility.”
Ultimately, it appears Mickelson has had enough of the fighting, and summed it up by answering how he would look back on this period in a few years.
“It’s a short-term disruption for a long-term gain. That’s all.”
