It’s no secret that Rory McIlroy doesn’t have the best relationship with LIV Golf or its athletes as he’s been very outspoken in his criticism of the Saudi-backed golf league as they’ve lured top talent to the upstart league with promises of massive paychecks. And this week, LIV star Phil Mickelson took a shot at the PGA Tour star.
This week, golf reporter Chris McKee pointed out on Twitter that the LIV Golf format would actually benefit McIlroy greatly given his current issues regarding his health and endurance.
“The more Rory McIlroy speaks lately, the more he validates everything Phil Mickelson said about playing less golf & having an offseason etc and how it will improve the play of the world’s best. Can someone let Rory’s agent know there is an open spot on @SmashGC #LIVgolf,” McKee wrote in a tweet.
Phil Mickelson agreed with his assessment, but threw a little shade at McIlroy in the process, suggesting that no LIV Golf team would want him even if he were to join the tour.
“As worn out as Mclroy was after the Masters and his need for an off season, LIV would be perfect for him. Problem is I don’t think there’s a team that wants him on it because they’d have to deal with all his [antics],” Mickelson said in a tweet.
It was a brutal message from Mickelson, and the golf world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
More importantly Rory actually has scruples and values & doesn't want to be in bed with brutal dictators. Not everyone is as greedy as you. https://t.co/m9tYaeR5x6
— Brian Rosenwald (@brianros1) June 3, 2023
Here's the issue. Most businesses need to generate something called REVENUE.
LIV Golf spend more in 14 events than the PGA Tour generate in a full season of 50+ established events with sponsors and broadcasters.
LIV is not and never will be viable. And that is why it will fail. https://t.co/vzoXOsBtOF
— David Bieleski (@deepdivegolf) June 3, 2023
LIV might need to consider getting Phil a Creed Thoughts account before things get truly out of hand https://t.co/t9L1JnX6kG
— James Colgan (@jamescolgan26) June 3, 2023
Phil Mickelson is continuing to ruin his faltering reputation. Sad to see him commit to being such a fool on a regular basis. https://t.co/bC1RjQwTiK
— Rory McIlroy Stats (@RoryStats) June 3, 2023
The gloves are officially off. 🙂 https://t.co/QybJWDnnoV
— LIV Golf Enthusiast (@LIVGolfEnth) June 3, 2023
I guess when you spend your life thinking your going to be the next TW , then 10yrs on you haven’t won a major , there was in my opinion why Phil won his first 2004, it was the conversation he had Payne stewert , that changed him x
— Andy McGarvey (@prestonboy07) June 3, 2023
Longtime fan but won't stand for the Rory slander. Bye Phil. https://t.co/GVqe0p9Gw0
— Mike Anderson (@muskie_mike) June 3, 2023
McIlroy is unlikely ever to tried to join the new tour, but it’s clear that he won’t be getting a warm welcome from the LIV Golf athletes if he ever does.
