‘You have to pick a side’ – Phil Mickelson confident in decision to join LIV Golf from PGA Tour

Phil Mickelson is convinced he has chosen the “winning side” in making the move to LIV Golf, claiming he sees the PGA Tour “trending downwards”.

Mickelson was the first high-profile recruit for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf, despite courting controversy by labelling the Saudis “scary motherf*****s” and saying he was well aware of their “horrible record on human rights” only to move anyway.

The left-hander is in Saudi Arabia for the latest LIV event, which takes place at Royal Greens in Jeddah starting on Friday.

LIV and the PGA Tour are at loggerheads, with the row set to end up in the courts next year, and it has created a rift in the sport.

Mickelson feels LIV filled a gap in the market, and believes his side will emerge victorious and continue to grow.

“It evolved a lot and it will continue to evolve over time; there were a lot of opportunities that were left open for somebody to come in and do this,’’ Mickelson said. “For a long, long time, my 30 years on the PGA Tour, pretty much all the best players played on the PGA Tour. At least the last 20 years. That will never be the case again.

“I think going forward, you have to pick a side. You have to pick what side you think is going to be successful.

“I firmly believe that I’m on the winning side of how things are going to evolve and shape in the coming years for professional golf.’’

Mickelson wants common ground to be found, but irrespective of any thawing of relations he feels LIV will has the upper hand.

“I see LIV Golf trending upwards, I see the PGA Tour trending downwards and I love the side that I’m on. And I love how I feel. I love how I’m reinvigorated and excited to play golf and compete. I love the experience. I love the way they treat us.

“I love the way they involve us and listen to us in decisions. I mean it’s so inclusive, it’s so fluid that things LIV Golf is leading. Whether it’s shorts, whether it’s other aspects of professional golf that are going to change and evolve, those positions will be led by LIV.”

Mickelson’s “scary motherf*****s” comment caused huge controversy, but he has denied having a conversation with journalist Alan Shipnuk who broke the story.

Asked whether his views on the Saudis had changed, Mickelson said: “I will reiterate I never did an interview with Alan Shipnuck.

“I find that my experience with everybody associated with LIV Golf has been nothing but incredibly positive and I have the utmost respect for everybody I have been involved with.”