Bay of Plenty Times

Mickelson weighing role in LIV

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Phil Mickelson is willing to step aside for a younger player at LIV Golf if he can’t play at the level he craves.

The six-time major champion made the disclosure while previewing the Saudi-backed circuit’s upcoming Illinois event.

The 54-year-old, who was one of the higher-profile names to join the breakaway circuit in 2022 on a reported $US200 million ($333m) contract, is currently captain of a Hyflyers team in which he also has an equity stake.

Mickelson, speaking ahead of LIV’S September 13-15 Individual Championsh­ip at Bollingbro­ok Golf Club, has one top-20 finish on the rebel circuit this season and made the cut at two of the four majors.

“I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at this level, but I’m also realistic with myself, and if I’m not able to I’ll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the Hyflyers to new levels,” Mickelson said.

“I’m in every major on the regular tour next year, and I’ll be in three of the four majors for the next six, seven years. I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainabl­e and that people strive to be a part of.

“Whether it’s internally as a player and so forth, or whether it’s strictly from the outside, I’m going to be intricatel­y involved with the Hyflyers probably the rest of my life, and then my playing career, I’ll be realistic where I’m at, too.”

Mickelson was also asked what type of playing schedule he would like to see if the PGA Tour and Saudi backers of LIV Golf ever finalise a deal to merge commercial operations in a new for-profit entity.

“I’m not part of those conversati­ons. At 54, my schedule and my desires are going to be totally different than most of the players,” said Mickelson.

“So bigger picture, we have to do what’s best for the players on LIV and the best for the players throughout the game.”

All you need to know to buy your next car.