Phil Mickelson was in the mix to lead the 2025 Ryder Cup long before LIV Golf even existed.
He has had a remarkable career, with 45 PGA Tour wins and six majors, plus a record 12 appearances for Team USA in the Ryder Cup.
Mickelson still holds some popularity, but joining LIV Golf in 2022 certainly changed how he is viewed by many fans.
Comparing team golf on LIV to the Ryder Cup did not go down well either, raising quite a few eyebrows around the sport.
It has been reported that before LIV even started, ‘Lefty’ was already being considered for the role that eventually went to his friend Keegan Bradley.
But would he have taken it if offered? And does he still see himself leading Team USA one day?
What Phil Mickelson said when asked if he should be the US Ryder Cup captain
Mickelson’s reputation took a serious hit after he became one of the faces of LIV Golf’s launch.
He was among the first big names to leave the PGA Tour for LIV in June 2022, a move that sparked plenty of debate across the sport.
Still, if relations between LIV and the PGA Tour ever fully settle, it would seem only fair to give the player with the most Ryder Cup appearances for Team USA a chance to lead.
But Mickelson has admitted he does not see himself as the right person for that job anymore, viewing himself as too divisive.
Speaking in 2024, he explained why he felt he might not be suited for such a role.
“I don’t feel I’m the right guy to be involved with the team because I’m a very divisive character right now, if you will, and I understand that.
“The players on the PGA Tour, there’s a lot of hostilities towards me, and I don’t feel I’d be the best leader for them.
“I knew I was going to take some hits going forward. I’m OK with that. And as a divisive individual. I don’t think I’m the best unifier going forward for the Ryder Cup, and that’s fine because I’ve had so many great memories with it.”
His words reflected an honest assessment of where he stands in golf right now, and it is hard to disagree with his reasoning. The job is not just about tactics or experience – it is about uniting a team. And that may not be where Mickelson fits best at this stage in his career.
Phil Mickelson’s record at the Ryder Cup
Mickelson does not have a winning record in terms of matches played, but his impact on the event went beyond wins and losses.