Scottie Scheffler’s comments raise Phil Mickelson point after 20-word LIV statement

Scottie Scheffler’s recent comments highlight the challenges he has faced towards the end of the PGA Tour season, and Phil Mickelson’s perspective on the matter might shed light on why Scheffler’s performance has dipped.

 

Scheffler, who began the 2024 PGA Tour season with remarkable success, including victories at the Memorial Tournament and the RBC Heritage, as well as winning The Masters, has struggled in recent months. Despite entering major tournaments like the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open at Royal Troon as a favorite, his finishes have been less than stellar—T8 at the PGA Championship, T41 at the U.S. Open, and T7 at The Open. This poor run continued into the BMW Championship, where he finished tied for 33rd place with a score of +1, while Keegan Bradley secured victory with a score of 12 under par.

 

As the PGA Tour nears its conclusion with the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Scheffler is aiming to end the season on a high note. In a press conference before the event, Scheffler reflected on the grueling nature of the season. He explained that the intense schedule has been challenging for all players, acknowledging that the season has taken a physical and mental toll.

 

Scheffler described the PGA Tour’s schedule as a relentless sprint. He noted that the calendar is packed with key events from early in the year, including The Players Championship in March, The Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June, and The Open Championship in July. After these major tournaments, the FedExCup Playoffs follow, leaving little time for rest. Scheffler mentioned that there are no significant breaks during the season until after events like the Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup, which can contribute to player fatigue and minor injuries.

 

Phil Mickelson, a prominent figure in golf and now a member of the LIV Golf League, has previously commented on the challenges of the PGA Tour schedule. Mickelson has suggested that LIV Golf, despite its controversies, offers a better structure for maintaining peak performance in major tournaments. Last year, Mickelson tweeted, “Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors.” He emphasized that LIV Golf’s calendar, with fewer events than the PGA Tour, allows players to stay sharp and fresh while avoiding the exhaustion that can come from a more congested schedule. Mickelson’s statement underlined that LIV’s 14-event season provides ample time for players to focus on major tournaments without the burden of excessive travel and tournament commitments.

 

While PGA Tour veterans like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been vocal critics of LIV Golf, Scottie Scheffler has remained neutral. He has expressed understanding of why some players have chosen to join LIV but believes that if they wish to return to the PGA Tour, there should be a structured process for reintegration rather than an immediate return.

 

Several high-profile golfers, including Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, have left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Mickelson, however, has had a challenging season in LIV Golf, currently positioned 44th in the ‘Open Zone,’ with his team, HyFlyers GC, sitting 12th out of 13 in the team standings.

 

In conclusion, Scottie Scheffler’s recent struggles and his comments about the demanding PGA Tour schedule reflect broader issues within professional golf. Mickelson’s praise for LIV Golf’s schedule highlights a different approach to managing player performance and avoiding burnout. As the season draws to a close, the debate over the optimal structure for maintaining peak performance in golf continues to evolve.