Phil Mickelson believes ‘four or five’ LIV golfers could play in the Ryder Cup
A number of LIV golfers have thrown their hat in the Ryder Cup ring, and Phil Mickelson says a handful of LIV players could be chosen in Rome
Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson says up to five LIV Golf players could play for America at the Ryder Cup.
Zach Johnson’s selection headache grows week by week as PGA Tour and LIV golfers continue to stake claims for a captain’s pick – none more so than Bryson DeChambeau.
The big-hitting American won in style at the Greenbrier, but Mickelson says DeChambeau is part of a strong group of LIV players among the best-performing Americans in the game.
“There’s some players here on LIV that have played some golf that I would argue is some of the best in the world,” he said at Bedminster. “Bryson, his last week is one of the best performances in the game.
“Talor Gooch is one of the best performances of the year, and Brooks is one of the toughest competitors, and then you always want to throw DJ or Patrick Reed in there because of their consistency.
“You’ve got four or five guys here that you can make an argument are some of the best American players for sure.
“But you also have – a team dynamic is very important, and as we’ve created a dynamic here of support where we’re helping each other be our best, you want to have that same dynamic for the Ryder Cup to bring out the best in each other.
“It’s also understandable if that’s not the case, if as a captain you decide to go with a team that brings about a certain chemistry, but if you’re looking just straight for the best players, there are four or five guys here that warrant that.”
What about Phil Mickelson’s Ryder Cup future?
Mickelson also said he’s “detached himself” from the event he played in 12 times for America, only to win on three occasions.
He was a vice-captain during Team USA’s record-breaking victory against Europe at Whistling Straits in 2021, but his move to LIV has likely ended the prospect of captaining his nation one day.
“There’s a lot of guys that would be very additive to the US Team, but again, as a captain, you’re looking at other intangibles, too,” he said.
“I don’t want to get involved, and I don’t want to step on Zach’s toes and tell him what he should or shouldn’t do. He’s captain, and he’s got to be the one making the decisions on what he thinks is best for the US Team.”
We’ve seen a Bryson DeChambeau-Phil Mickelson Ryder Cup pairing before, but should Bryson play in 2023? Tell us with a tweet!
Read more: Ryder Cup standings: Who is headed to Rome?
Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
