Phil Mickelson said the proposed changes to the PGA schedule would not have occurred without the "disruption" wrought by the LIV Tour and said he was happy to see the game's top players being listened to.
Last week, in a bid to counter the threat of the LIV Tour, PGA commissioner Jay Monahan announced changes to the Tour schedule, with "top players" committing to play 20 events per year, including the four major championships, as well as 12 "elevated" events with an average purse of $20 million (€20.1m).
The announcement followed on from a meeting of the game's top players in Wilmington, led by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, where many of the ideas subsequently announced were floated.
In an extensive interview with Sports Illustrated, Mickelson was asked whether the recent changes matched up with what he had previously advocated in discussions with the PGA Tour, the six-time major winner observing, "it's interesting some of the similarities".
Mickelson also refrained from saying he felt vindicated by the PGA Tour's proposed changes, but said he was content that the PGA Tour was now acting on the opinions of the game's best players and said that the emergence of the Saudi-funded LIV Tour had provided the impetus behind the moves.
"I don't think vindication is what I would say. I would say I’m generally happy that the top players who are really driving the Tour and creating the interest are being listened to. And what they are doing for the Tour is being valued now. I’m happy to see that happen.’’
When asked by reporter Bob Harrig whether the changes would have occurred without the LIV Tour's arrival, Mickelson was emphatic.
"No, despite multiple efforts by multiple players. No. I don’t think anything like that would have happened without the leverage that LIV Golf has provided. There was no leverage. There were no other options.’’
"I think with any significant change, you are going to have disruption. LIV is disruptive. There’s no question. I think that in the end, everything is going to work out the way it should. I think whatever difficulties we may face in the process may be worth it.’’
Elsewhere in the interview, Mickelson said he was confident that the LIV players would continue to be eligible to compete in the majors and said he expected to be at Augusta next April - where he has won three times (2004, 2006, 2010).
"I really don’t think that’s going to happen. I believe that the leaders of the majors are really brilliant people who love the game of golf. And I believe they understand how not having many of the top players in the world undermines their events.
"I believe wholeheartedly I’ll be at Augusta. I thought my conversations with (Masters chairman) Fred Ridley —which I will keep between us—were extremely classy. I have the utmost respect for him and the leaders of the majors. There’s been to date no threat at all."
The fourth installment of the Saudi funded LIV Tour commences in Boston today, with reigning Open champion Cameron Smith making his debut in the series.
