Phil Mickelson could well be set to take on a non-playing role at LIV Golf alongside Bubba Watson, when the pair’s current contracts with the league expire.
Mickelson was the man who began the player exodus from the PGA Tour to the LIV setup, having pledged his loyalties to the Saudi-backed league ahead of its inaugural event in June 2022. Since then the six-time major winner has been an ever-present on the circuit, but his playing days could soon be over.
According to Mickelson’s biographer, Alan Shipnuck, the 53-year-old’s next contract with the breakaway league could be one as a non-playing captain
Each of the team captains were handed a four-year deal from Greg Norman and co, as was 2023 individual champion Talor Gooch. Per Shipnuck, players will re-enter negotiations with league bosses towards the end of 2025, with Mickelson and Watson potentially moving away from the on-course action.
In 20 events on the LIV circuit, Mickelson has just two top-10 finishes to his name, having struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the sport’s greatest ever players during his time on the PGA Tour. Two-time Masters winner Watson has faced similar struggles too.
In his first full campaign on the Saudi-backed series, RangeGoats captain Watson has made his way into the top-10 just once, with his best LIV performance coming in Tulsa last May. The former green jacket winner has discussed his future on the circuit previously, having failed to find his best form.
Speaking at LIV Greenbrier last summer, Watson admitted he would be open to taking a non-playing role with the RangeGoats, if it was the wish of his teammates.
“I told my team if they don’t think I am good enough to play, they can kick me out and we will put another good golfer in my place.
“I plan to continue playing until I am no longer allowed.
I enjoy assisting the younger players who are striving to improve their golf skills.
I have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of three golfers who are also parents and young fathers.
It is important to me to support them and offer help whenever they may need it.” Meanwhile, Mickelson has also stated his intention to end his golf career in the past few years, but there is a condition.
He is just one win away from achieving the career Grand Slam, with the U.S. Open being the only major title that has eluded him so far. “If he ultimately wins his home Open, he plans to retire from his playing career.
In an interview with Golf Digest in February 2022, he stated, “If I win the US Open, I will retire.
That would mark the end of my tournament career, having attained the career Grand Slam and feeling there is nothing left to prove.”