Phil Mickelson claims PGA Tour fans more ‘stressed’ than LIV’s

In terms of media responsibilities, LIV Golf stars like Phil Mickelson have it much easier than they did on the PGA Tour. But Mickelson has long found it hard not to speak his mind. That’s how the six-time major champion got into hot water this week, when he turned an innocent question into a harsh criticism of the PGA Tour.

But Mickelson’s point was not about the pros playing on LIV. Instead, his focus was on golf fans, arguing that fans at LIV events are “relaxed,” while spectators leave PGA Tour events “tired and run down.”

Mickelson says LIV fans are happier than PGA Tour fans

Friday marks the start of the LIV Golf Michigan tournament, the 2025 team championship event. So on Thursday, Mickelson took part in a pre-tournament press conference. Unlike on the PGA Tour, where pros conduct solo media sessions several times during a tournament week, LIV pros typically only have to do one. And they get to do it alongside other pros.

On Thursday, Mickelson was joined by the 11 other team captains taking part in the team championship. As a result of the crowded stage, Phil spoke only a few times. But it didn’t take much time for him to cause a stir.

Toward the end of the press conference, a reporter directed a question to Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, asking them how the experience at LIV tournaments is better than the PGA Tour for players and fans alike.

That’s when Mickelson made his bold claim, arguing that fans leave Tour events “stressed about not interfering and being quiet and so forth,” while LIV fans walk away “wanting more.”

“I can’t really say from the fans’ point of view other than what I’ve heard because I haven’t been a spectator,” Mickelson said Thursday. “It seems that, when fans are leaving [LIV events], they’ve had a good time. They’ve left relaxed, enjoying and wanting more, rather than have the day drag on, being tired and run down, and being stressed about not interfering and being quiet and so forth. It seems as though the fans have walked away from the experience having fun and wanting more.”