"That is so very nice" - Phil Mickelson overwhelmed by podcaster's words lauding him for his LIV Golf role

Phil Mickelson has often been one of the most polarising figures in golf. However, a recent post by Pro Golf Critic on X, a popular golf account, had the six-time Major champion overwhelmed.

Pro Golf Critic, who is also the co-host of the podcast Golf Lovers United GC, praised Mickelson's courage for his LIV Golf role. In a long tweet, Pro Golf Critic first thanked players at the LIV Golf League and others for support. He mentioned that he especially wanted to thank Mickelson, one of his favorite players. He said:

"I've always admired him, but the last 3 years have put him in a stratosphere very few can reach. We already know how important he was to the launch of @livgolf_league ofc. But no one has been the subject of more negative media coverage in pro golf than Phil. From unauthorized books, leaked conversations, rumors, lies, untruths and smear campaigns."

An example of the unauthorized book on Mickelson is Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar by Alan Shipnuck. He also lost big sponsors like KPMG and Amstel Light after his decision to join LIV Golf. Pro Golf Critic added:

"But he knew it was all coming. He made decisions knowing it was all coming because #1 he could handle it, and #2 it was the best thing long term for golf and breaking up the monotony (and #ObnoxiousGreed) of the establishment."

He claimed that Phil Mickelson is the best leader in golf. He also lauded the LIV Golf star for his help in personal wellness. In response to the tweet, Mickelson expressed his gratitude:

"That is so very nice. Thank you. I’m grateful for you and all that you do to support and grow this great game on a global scale."

At the end of the tweet, the podcaster rejected claims that Mickelson was his source for behind-the-scenes LIV Golf information. He also shared that saying "never meet your heroes" is a fallacy as some are even better in life like Mickelson.

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How has Phil Mickelson performed on LIV Golf?

Phil Mickelson joined LIV Golf in 2022. In the first year, he finished 34th, while last year he finished 39th. In the 2024 season, he finished 46th.

In 13 starts in the LIV Golf 2024 season, he had one top-10 finish and three top-25 finishes. His best performance came at the LIV Golf Jeddah where he tied for sixth. His other notable performances include a T22 at LIV Golf Singapore and a T23 at LIV Golf Chicago.

Here's a look at Phil Mickelson's performance in the 2024 LIV season:

2024 LIV Tournaments

• LIV Golf Mayakoba: T51 (73-77-74, 224, +11)
• LIV Golf Las Vegas: T30 (70-67-71, 208, -2)
• LIV Golf Jeddah: T6 (65-68-67, 200, -10)
• LIV Golf Hong Kong: T52 (80-68-70, 218, +8)
• LIV Golf Miami: 47 (76-72-76, 224, +8)
• LIV Golf Adelaide: T38 (69-70-70, 209, -7)
• LIV Golf Singapore: T22 (72-68-67, 207, -6)
• LIV Golf Houston: T37 (71-69-74, 214, -2)
• LIV Golf Nashville: T40 (70-70-71, 211, -2)
• LIV Golf Andalucía: T27 (73-72-74, 219, +6)
• LIV Golf United Kingdom: T34 (70-72-71, 213, E)
• LIV Golf Greenbrier: 50 (67-68-75, 210, E)
• LIV Golf Chicago: T23 (75-68-67, 210, E)
• LIV Golf Dallas - Stroke Play: T48 (76, 76, +4)

2024 PGA TOUR Tournaments

• Masters Tournament: T43 (73-75-74-74, 296, +8), $72,000
• PGA Championship: Missed Cut (74-72, 146, +4)
• U.S. Open: Missed Cut (79-76, 155, +15)
• The Open: T60 (73-74-72-76, 295, +11), $41,325