Golf: Phil Mickelson achieves best LIV Golf Hong Kong finish

Phil Mickelson had an eventful week in Hong Kond culminating in his best ever finish at the LIV Golf, his first podium finish.

The week started with Mickelson getting into a social media argument with Fred Couples after comments Couples made on a radio show about Brooks Koepka’s possible interest in leaving LIV Golf. Mickelson later deleted a tweet in which he called Couples’ remarks a “low-class jerk move.”

By Sunday, Mickelson was on the podium for the first time in LIV Golf. He achieved his best finish in the league so far, placing third at LIV Golf Hong Kong, just four shots behind winner Sergio Garcia. This is Mickelson’s first top-five finish since joining LIV Golf, and he said it’s been a long time coming.

“I had a great offseason, figured some things out, and I’m playing a different style of golf,” Mickelson explained. “I’ve been playing really well at home, and it’s great to bring that here. I didn’t putt well in Adelaide, otherwise I would’ve been in the mix there too. I played well, and there were four or five putts today that could’ve gone in and made it an even lower round.”

Alongside his best individual finish, Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC team also achieved their first podium finish, tying for third with Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC in the team competition.

“This is a great step for us as we continue to improve,” Mickelson said. “We were near the top of the leaderboard most of the day and ended up three shots behind, but we’re really starting to hit our stride. It’s great to be on the podium, and now we want to aim for the top spot.”

Mickelson’s solo third place finish was his best result worldwide since the 2023 Masters, where he shot 7-under 65 on Sunday to finish tied for second with Brooks Koepka. Mickelson believes his game is in the best shape it’s been for a couple of years.

“It didn’t feel difficult. It felt easy,” Mickelson said. “I probably hit more fairways than anyone. I haven’t seen the stats, but I’d be surprised if anyone hit more than I did. My game is sharp. My short game is back. I had a rough couple of years, but it’s really sharp now. My iron play is back, and my game is improving. I’m also playing with less stress, and it’s working.”

Does this mean good things are ahead? The six-time major champion has big goals, and even at 54 years old, he is still aiming for the biggest prizes in golf.

“I’m hitting a lot of good shots and playing some solid golf,” Mickelson said. “This is a building week for me as I continue to work towards a win in LIV and another major victory, getting ready for Augusta.”