The controversial LIV Golf tournament has attracted some of the sport’s biggest names to tee off at the competition. With this comes a lot of money for the likes of Phil Mickelson and others – but what is the US golfer’s net worth?
Breaking away from the PGA Tour, LIV Golf Invitational Series is looming as a serious threat to golf’s status quo. Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia, the tour has attracted some big fish in the golfing world via financial means.
Every participant in each of the eight Series events will receive prize money. As a result, players such as Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson have all confirmed their participation.
However, it is not without some drama. The PGA Tour has suspended all of its players that choose to play in the Saudi-backed series. Additionally, critics take issue with the financers of the tournament.
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) is behind LIV golf – a government-backed company that some view as trying to ‘sportswash’ Saudi Arabia. Because of the country’s poor human rights record, where capital punishment is still heavily used, and clear gender inequality exists, players on the tour are being questioned about their involvement.
Phil Mickelson responded to questions regarding the gulf nation’s human rights.
Mickelson talks about LIV Golf
Speaking at a press conference (quotes via The Guardian), Mickelson stressed that he does not support the violating of human rights.
“I don’t condone human rights violations at all,” he said. “I’m certainly aware of what has happened with Jamal Khashoggi, and I think it’s terrible.”
Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist who criticised the nation’s government. He was killed in suspicious circumstances, prompting a UN investigation. The UN report concluded that Khashoggi’s death “constituted an extrajudicial killing for which the state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible”, as per the BBC.
Despite this, Mickelson believes that the Series will benefit golf as a whole.
“I have also seen the good that the game of golf has done throughout history, and I believe LIV Golf is going to do a lot of good for the game as well.”
As one of the most successful players participating, organisers will hope that the American can get fans on board.
Phil Mickelson’s successful career
Since turning pro in 1992, Phil Mickelson has amassed a very impressive 45 PGA Tour victories. Included in this are six wins at golf’s major tournaments – a testament to Lefty’s incredible ability to perform on the biggest stage.
During his career, the 51-year-old has won The Masters on three occasions, in 2004, 2006, and 2010. In addition, he won last year’s PGA Championship, to go alongside his 2005 success. Finally, on British soil, Mickelson took victory at The Open in 2013.
Of course, all this success in such a lucrative sport means that Phil Mickelson has acquired a rather large net worth.
What is the net worth of Phil Mickelson?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Phil Mickelson currently sits on $300 million. Lefty has enjoyed a very prosperous career on the PGA Tour; estimates suggest that he has earned over $900 million across his 30-year playing career.
This came from several different avenues in the golf world. For instance, $95 million of his earnings is prize money, with a large proportion of the rest coming from endorsements and appearance fees.
Now, Mickelson will add another hefty sum of money on to his net worth via his participation in LIV Golf. Reports from Golf Magic say the American will receive an unbelievable $200 million for playing in the Saudi-backed event.
With this alongside his string of endorsements, Lefty’s personal value is undoubtedly set to rise.
What are Phil Mickelson’s endorsements?
After he announced that he would play in LIV Golf, Mickelson actually lost a host of his sponsors. Despite this, according to Forbes, he still earns $40-50 million a year from endorsements. Some of the golfer’s backers include Rolex, Vistajet, Melin, Intrepid Financial Partners, and more.
Whether Mickelson’s decision to play in the controversial series tarnishes his legacy or not remains to be seen. For now, it is possible to confirm that LIV Golf will net Lefty some serious money.
Featured Image Credit: Getty