McIlroy, Rahm call out Mickelson for PGA-LIV comments

Rory McIlroy Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm call out Phil Mickelson for PGA-LIV comments

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/19/22

The second Phil Mickelson made his comments about LIV Golf being on the upswing while the PGA Tour is flailing, you knew the golf media was waiting to ask Rory McIlroy for a response.

The Irishman did not disappoint when asked about Lefty's big claims ahead of this weekend's CJ Cup at Congaree Golf Club, basically saying that anyone with common sense isn't going to believe those comments.

"I don't agree with what Phil said last week," McIlroy said with his usual candor. "I understand why he said it because of the position he is in, but I don't think anyone that takes a logical view of the game of golf can agree with what he said."

McIlroy went on to back up his own comments with some percentages sprinkled with a good slap in the face for measure.

"I certainly don't see the PGA Tour trending downward at all. All the talent, 95% of the talent is here," he said.

Safe to say Rory doesn’t agree with Phil pic.twitter.com/kc5NMfJGkg
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) October 19, 2022

Not surprisingly, McIlroy isn't the only PGA pro who thinks Mickelson is full of hot air.

"Man, I love Phil, but I don't know what he's talking about," World No. 5 Jon Rahm said, via ESPN. "I really don't know why he said that. ... I think there's some great changes being made and great changes for the players on the tour. I truly don't know what drove him to say something like that."

Now, when McIlroy says he "understands" why Mickelson said what he said, he isn't saying he agrees. He is pointing to Mickelson's position as one of the key figureheads of the breakaway league, who reportedly get equity in the league as well as a cut of sponsorship money for their teams. Long story short: Mickelson will say LIV Golf is on the rise — even if it's not — in order to help the league get more sponsorship money.

"I think there's a ton of propaganda being used and all sorts of stuff," the reigning CJ Cup winner said. "I guess for them to be talking the way they are, it's bold."

McIlroy will now turn his attention to the PGA Tour event in hand as he tries to win back-to-back CJ Cups and potentially take over the No.1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. Meanwhile, LIV Golf sits out this weekend before the final event of its inaugural season, the Team Championship, tees off on Oct. 27 at Trump Invitation Doral in Miami.

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