Thu Jul 17 06:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Mickelson Floats Expanded LIV Golf Tour, Igniting Feud and Threatening PGA Merger**

**[City, State] –** Golf legend Phil Mickelson has sparked controversy once again with a proposal to significantly expand the LIV Golf tour, a move that threatens to derail potential merger talks with the PGA Tour. In a social media post, Mickelson outlined a hypothetical scenario doubling the size of LIV Golf to a 120-player field with dual shotgun starts.

Mickelson’s vision includes a 35-event schedule where current LIV tournaments would become “elevated” events. “What if LIV went to a 35-event, full 120-person field, dual shotgun start (morning and afternoon), and the current LIV events were the ‘elevated’ events within the schedule,” Mickelson wrote on X. “Where would those additional players come from, and what would happen to the PGA Tour then?”

The response from golf fans has been largely negative, with many criticizing Mickelson’s proposal and urging him to abandon LIV Golf. “Phil, LIV is a failed experiment, but you all banked it. Take the personal W (win) and move on,” one fan commented.

The timing of Mickelson’s proposition comes as discussions regarding a potential merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have stalled. Some fans expressed hope for compromise, suggesting a combined tour with a limited number of events featuring top players. Mickelson described this idea as “awesome,” but such positive responses were rare amidst the widespread criticism.

Former PGA Tour player and commentator Colt Knost sarcastically commented on the proposed expansion, quipping, “That’s a lot of concerts!” alluding to the entertainment aspects often associated with LIV events. Other critics argued against the appeal of team events and the unpopularity of shotgun starts.

Mickelson is currently participating in The Open Championship at Portrush, where he will tee off early on Thursday alongside Daniel van Tonder and Ryan Peake. The golf world now watches to see if Mickelson’s proposal is a serious negotiation tactic or a disruptive move that could further fracture the sport.

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