For the primary time for the reason that PGA Tour introduced its partnership with the Saudi Arabian Public Funding Fund (PIF), Phil Mickelson has weighed in. Effectively, outdoors of his preliminary fast tweet asserting it was an important day.

“Going ahead, we’re all very optimistic about the place skilled golf is headed.” Mickelson stated Wednesday. “I feel actions are somewhat bit stronger than phrases. For those who take a look at what LIV is doing, and what we’re doing, that’s extra of a press release.”

Mickelson additionally loves taking part in on the LIV Tour.

“The participant expertise right here is unbelievable,” Mickelson added. “I simply can’t envision a greater situation for me as a participant than taking part in on LIV.”

The six-time main winner made these feedback forward of LIV Golf’s Valderrama occasion in Southern Spain.

Dubbed because the “Augusta of Europe,” Valderrama Golf Membership hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, received by the Europeans. Legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros—a hero to Mickelson—was the profitable captain.

Picture by Michael Steele/EMPICS through Getty Pictures

Mickelson represented Workforce USA in that occasion, and now he returns to Valderrama this week feeling as assured as he ever has in regards to the state {of professional} golf.

“We felt that it was going to be about two years earlier than we obtained to [an agreement], however it took a yr and a half—six months faster than I believed it could be,” Mickelson famous.

“All the pieces during the last couple of years that we have now been advised by [CEO] Greg [Norman] and all people on LIV has come to fruition, so we have now a variety of confidence in what they’ve been saying to us as a result of all the pieces has been taking place.”

The framework settlement between the PGA Tour and the PIF doesn’t embody any specifics about how the way forward for males’s skilled golf will appear to be. However as Mickelson famous, it’s basically an “settlement to have an settlement.”

Future schedules, sponsorships, investments, and participant reinstatements all must be discovered. Plus, the settlement must obtain approval from the Division of Justice and stand up to Congressional hearings.

As for Mickelson, he’s proud of the place he’s and the way his 2023 schedule performed out.

“Taking part in 19 occasions this yr with the 4 majors, the 14 LIV occasions, after which taking part in in Saudi Arabia earlier this yr, it has been a variety of golf,” the 53-year-old Mickelson admitted. “However its been enjoyable as a result of there are sufficient breaks in between to the place I get excited to get again out right here.”

Following Valderrama, LIV Golf heads to London earlier than taking a hiatus. That break will permit some gamers to organize for the Open Championship, being held at Royal Liverpool this yr.

Picture by Rob Carr/Getty Pictures

Mickelson received the Claret Jug in 2013.

Perhaps taking part in with LIV will result in one other main second for Mickelson, who grew to become the oldest main champion in 2021 by profitable the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.

In spite of everything, he tied for second on the 2023 Masters—the primary time he performed at Augusta Nationwide following his dedication to LIV.

Both method, Lefty feels assured about what’s to return.

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By way of. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter and Instagram @jack_milko for extra golf protection. Make sure to try @_PlayingThrough too.