DORAL, Fla. – One of the last people that you would expect Phil Mickelson, a member of the PGA Tour Board, to quote following a loss at the 2023 LIV Golf Team Championship is a PGA Tour official, right? That’s exactly what happened on Friday at Trump National Doral.
Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC captain Brooks Koepka was beaten 6 to 4 in the quarterfinal round on Friday of the $50 million finale of the upstart circuit. When asked after the round about the quote he made earlier in the week stating that he “knows”, more talent will be coming to LIV Golf. Mickelson reaffirmed his statement and cited a quote by PGA Tour Board member Jimmy Dunne.
Dunne stated that if LIV continues to attract just five PGA Tour Players per year, then in five years they could “gut us”.
Mickelson did not reveal any names nor how many players were joining the team, but could not help but smile as he spoke of new blood.
“I am excited to see who will be coming next year. Over time, I know we’ll keep improving and gaining better players. That’s our game plan. And I love their commitment. Mickelson said Golfweek that he was happy to be a part. “I know it, just as Jimmy Dunne stated in Congress. It’s going to happen.”
Last year, similar claims were made about an influx new talent for 2023 at Trump National Doral. However, those players included Dean Burmester and Danny Lee. Thomas Pieters and Mito Pereira also joined the team. Mickelson thinks the framework agreement will allow better talent to move to LIV.
Mickelson stated earlier this week that “the spots will probably be filled before the qualifying tournament takes place.” “I think that the merger talks have allowed for it.” “I think it opens up the door, yeah.”
LIV officials expect that four to six positions will be open among its 12 current teams when the off-season transfer window begins on Monday. The league’s shotgun format allows it to accommodate up to fifteen teams. This would allow more players to join. We will wait and watch.
