The LIV Golf pros at least got the green light from the PGA of America. Just two days ago, the organization behind the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship announced that the LIV golfers were now eligible to play in the two events through the normal criteria, which many fans have doubts over. It meant that instead of going through many qualifying processes, the golfers from the PIF-backed league could play in the Ryder Cup through the points list or be a captain’s pick. But it should be noted that the PGA of America has not yet given the LIV Golf event any Ryder Cup points but just a green signal that they would not be shunned.
It might be a relief for many trending golfers like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and more, as playing better in the majors will give them crucial points for the 2025 Ryder Cup and a berth at the patriotic event. But does it mean Phil Mickelson could make Team USA too? Unfortunately, he may not. Mickelson’s results in the four majors have been nothing but abysmal. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and the US Open, whereas he was T43 at the Masters and T60 at the Open.
Hence, Lefty is ranked 53rd on the Ryder Cup ranking for the 2025 edition in Bethpage, as he only has 113.325 points. The second thing is that Bradley could pick Mickelson but it also seems highly unlikely. Among the many young golfers like Justin Thomas, DeChambeau, and Max Homa, the 6-time major may not make it to Team USA. Moreover, his 2024 season in LIV has not been a spectacle either to speak in his favor. In the 13 LIV Golf events, Mickelson was in the top 10 only once and finished outside the top 25 at all times.
With a record that shows nothing but a declined form, it is hard to believe that Keegan Bradley may choose him to compete at Bethpage and avenge last year’s loss. But last year, Zach Johnson chose five vice-captains for Team USA. If the 45-time PGA Tour winner misses the Ryder Cup as a player, he could be appointed as a vice-captain, and more so as even Tiger Woods would not be there. The question is if Mickelson accepts the vice captain’s offer.
What’s Phil Mickelson’s take on participating in the 2025 Ryder Cup?
At the start of the 2024 season, when there were questions about who would become the next Team USA captain, Phil Mickelson was one of the two choices, the other being Tiger Woods. But Lefty explained in an interview with The Pat McAfee Show that he was never going to make it as he had burned many bridges after jumping ships to LIV Golf. From being one of the best players on the PGA Tour, the 45-time PGA Tour winner had criticized the league and accepted another lucrative one, getting harsh criticism in return from fans and pros.
The former Ryder Cup captain, Fred Couples, even called Mickelson a “nutbag” because of his choices. Thus, the 54-year-old was aware of the hostility fans and pros had towards him. Hence, he stated, “I don’t feel I’m the right guy to be involved with the team because I’m a very divisive character right now if you will.” As he didn’t want to be a captain, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that he would not like to be a vice captain either.
Unless the change of stance by the PGA of America might change Mickelson’s mind too. There is still a year until the 2025 Ryder Cup; as all things go, nothing can be certain in the golf world.
