Phil Mickelson refuses to ‘sit and chat’ with Tiger Woods after comment at The Open

Phil Mickelson refuses to ‘sit and chat’ with Tiger Woods after comment at The Open

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have not always seen eye-to-eye over the years.

For years, the golfing world has watched the legendary rivalry between Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods unfold. Though their fierce competition has mellowed over time, their relationship remains complex and often strained. This was evident at The Open, where Mickelson admitted he was in no mood for casual conversation with Woods.

 

During their primes, Mickelson and Woods delivered some of the most memorable duels in golf history. Yet, the dynamics between them have shifted dramatically, especially in light of recent developments. Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf in 2022, a controversial breakaway series, has only heightened tensions. Woods, a staunch advocate for the PGA Tour, has been a vocal critic of the Saudi-funded league.

 

As the two prepared for play at The Open, they found themselves warming up side by side. Despite the proximity, Mickelson revealed that their interaction was minimal, limited to a brief greeting. “We said hi,” Mickelson recounted. “Yeah, we said hi, but we were both preparing. It’s not like we’re going to sit there and chat. But we said hello, yeah.”

 

This cold exchange underscores the ongoing friction between the two golfing icons. Their interactions have become increasingly rare, and any semblance of camaraderie seems to have dissipated. The potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, discussed for over a year now, remains a distant dream with little progress made.

 

When asked about the possibility of collaborating with Woods to facilitate a breakthrough in these talks, Mickelson was non-committal. “I don’t know, we’ll see. We’ll see. I don’t know about that stuff, I’m not involved. I’m not sitting in those rooms. I am enjoying where I’m at and what I’m doing and playing. I’ll let other people figure that stuff out,” he said.

 

At The Open, Mickelson’s performance has been less than stellar, though he managed to make the cut with a score of five over par. Woods, on the other hand, struggled significantly, missing the cut after finishing his second round at 14 over par. Despite this setback, Woods has expressed his determination to return and compete at Royal Portrush next year.

 

The story of Mickelson and Woods is far from over. As the landscape of professional golf continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of their relationship. For now, the tension remains palpable, adding yet another layer of intrigue to their already storied rivalry.