LIV Golf: Phil Mickelson “being truthful,” drops stunning retirement bomb

During the relatively successful LIV Golf Adelaide week in Australia, Phil Mickelson joined Bloomberg for an exclusive. During the interview, Mickelson shockingly hinted at retirement.

Bloomberg teased the full story on Lefty, including his remarks on calling it quits sooner than later.

“I’m 53 now, and my career, you know, if I’m being truthful, it’s towards its end,” Mickelson said.

Golfers generally do not hang it up until well beyond their 50’s, especially many of the greats. Granted, it is not like LIV Golf has a senior tour similar to the PGA Tour Champions.

He did not specifically say when he would retire. However, Mickelson explained what he wanted to do next in the golf industry.

“I would like to help others find the same enjoyment, fulfillment the game of golf has provided me,” he detailed. “There are moments when you’re on a golf course alone, and you have this solace — very solitude, and you’re at peace. There are so many great things about this game of golf, and I would love others to experience those things.”

During his time on the PGA Tour, Mickelson won six major championships and 45 overall tournaments. He became the oldest major winner at 50 years and 11 months when he took home the 2021 PGA Championship.

Mickelson’s reputation has been tarnished amid gambling allegations, leaving for the Saudi-backed circuit and the countless negative comments hurled toward the PGA Tour. Regardless, Lefty is undeniably one of the greatest players ever and continues to be at the forefront of professional golf’s divide.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.