Phil Mickelson: 'All players should be appreciative of what LIV is doing'

Last week, several changes to the PGA Tour were unveiled, including the addition of four FedEx Cup events and more financial incentives for players. 

The Tour's action comes in response to the growth of LIV Golf, a growing competitor that has convinced many top PGA Tour players to jump ship. 

Phil Mickelson, a legend in the game, was one of the biggest names to shun the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig, Mickelson said the creation of LIV Golf gave players on both sides leverage which has led to change within the PGA Tour. 

"Unless there was leverage, nothing was going to change," Mickelson said. "And all players should be appreciative of what LIV is doing. The Players on LIV for the opportunity they are getting. And the PGA Tour for the leverage that was provided to get these changes done." 

Mickelson said "every player is benefiting," while adding that he'd heard from "numerous" players from both LIV and the PGA, voicing their appreciation. 

The 52-year-old took the high road when asked to revisit his issues with the PGA. 

"What's in the past is in the past. I'm moving on," Mickelson said. "I'm very happy with where I'm at. I'm very happy with the fluidity of LIV. Their ability to listen and implement ideas at a very quick rate is exciting to me. I'm really happy with where things are headed. I just don't want to go back and relive that."