Phil Mickelson has claimed “a lot of players” want to join LIV Golf.
The six-time major champion said he’s been “fielding calls” from PGA Tour and DP World Tour stars interested in joining the Saudi-backed league.
When asked if there could soon be another exodus of players to the LIV roster, he responded, “I know that’s going to happen.”
Mickelson discussed LIV Golf’s recruitment process ahead of the Team Championship finale in Miami following the relegation of four players at the bottom of the season-long points standings.
“When players look at LIV, they are wanting to be a part of it,” he added. “Everybody here is happy and enjoying what we are doing and enjoying the team aspect of it and enjoying each other and the camaraderie and enjoying playing golf globally and all the benefits that come with playing this tour.
“So there’s a lot of players that see that and want to be a part of it. The question is, you know, how many spots are available? There’s a lot more players that want to come than there are spots.”
Ian Poulter also told the Telegraph that LIV has been contacted by players interested in joining the breakaway series.
“I am not going to give any names, but we’ve been contacted about players wanting to join,” he said.
“And that’s no surprise. Think about it, they’ll probably get fined, but if a player takes that chance, pays say $50,000 or whatever, then he makes it into the top three then he will earn a minimum of $1.75 million in 14 events in 2024. That’s the minimum. Even if they shoot level 80s every week.
“It’s $20 million purses and then the prizes from the team events on top and you’re playing against the likes of Brooks, DJ, Cam, Talor (Gooch) every week? If you’re on the DP World Tour then you’d be mad not to back yourself and have a go. It’s a different level.”
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Sihwan Kim, Jediah Morgan, James Piot and Chase Koepka were relegated following last week’s event in Jeddah, but could look to earn back their spots via the Promotions Event in Abu Dhabi in December.
It is not known how many players will feature for LIV in its third season in 2024, but NCG understands the league aspires to have 15 teams of four players shortly, meaning 12 more players would be added.
“There’s a lot of players that could be signed not even through the qualifying,” he continued. “You know, there’s spots on teams that are open that players want to come over and be a part of.”
The 53-year-old believes the prospective alliance between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund “opens the door” for players to follow the path many of golf’s biggest names have taken to LIV.
The framework agreement initially included a non-solicitation clause that would prevent the PGA Tour and LIV Golf from signing each other’s players – but this was removed upon review by the US Department of Justice.
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