American LIV players should not miss out on Ryder Cup, insists Mickelson

Phil Mickelson has suggested it would be unfair for the likes of Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson to miss out on 2023 Ryder Cup participation because they are part of LIV Golf.

The prominence of Koepka at the US PGA Championship has reignited debate over whether Zach Johnson, the US captain, should keep the door open for LIV rebels. Several American players are known to want Koepka and Dustin Johnson among their number for the September clash in Rome but lingering ill-feeling and court battles attached to the LIV breakaway make Zach Johnson’s position tricky. Mickelson has been front and centre of all things LIV from the outset.

Mickelson, speaking after a closing round of 70 at Oak Hill, believes the US have to remain open-minded. “I don’t see the benefit of the Ryder Cup to change from what it historically has been,” said Mickelson. “Which is, the US versus Europe now. Originally it was versus Great Britain and Ireland. But I mean, I don’t see the benefit of changing that. I don’t see how it’s any of the concern of the PGA of America of what tour we play. But that’s just my opinion.”

One certainty is that Mickelson, once a staple of the Ryder Cup setup, has waved goodbye to the event. He insisted it was “not his concern” whether Zach Johnson should be paying close attention to the LIV platform. “I’ve had a lot of great experiences in the Ryder Cup,” Mickelson added. “I’ve been part of, what, 13? I played in 12 and then I was vice-captain at Whistling Straits. I’ve had a lot of great opportunities, experiences, stories, memories. And I’ve had more than my share. So I’m fine with other people having those opportunities as well.”

It is, however, clear Mickelson harbours a lingering grievance over the behaviour of golf’s