Golf icon Phil Mickelson stunned his critics by returning to the PGA Tour in October 2023, after a self-imposed exile of over a year. Mickelson had been criticized for his involvement in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, which many viewed as a threat to the established PGA Tour.
Mickelson’s return was met with mixed reactions. Some fans welcomed him back, while others remained critical of his decision to play in the LIV Golf series. However, Mickelson’s performance on the course has been impressive. He finished in the top 10 at the first two tournaments he played in, and he is now ranked in the top 50 in the world.
Mickelson’s return has also had a positive impact on the PGA Tour. Ratings for PGA Tour events have increased, and more fans are attending tournaments. Mickelson’s comeback has shown that the PGA Tour is still the premier golf tour in the world, and that it is capable of attracting the biggest stars in the sport.
It will be interesting to see how Mickelson’s return pans out in the long term. He is still a very talented golfer, but he is also 52 years old. It is unclear how long he will be able to compete at a high level. However, Mickelson’s return has certainly been a surprise to many, and it has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the world of golf.
