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With a PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger seemingly no closer to happening than it was a year ago, all the familiar faces continue to speak out about the situation. One of those faces is former Masters champion Fred Couples, who has been both a staunch advocate for the tour and a harsh critic of LIV. Perhaps no LIV golfer has taken as much criticism from Couples as Phil Mickelson, whom Couples said looked “stupid” over after his decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV.
Well, Mickelson returned fire on Tuesday. Although he seemingly regretted doing so shortly after. The exchange began with Couples singling out five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, whom he says wants to return to the PGA Tour.
“I talk to Brooks Koepka all the time. I love Brooks Koepka,” Couples said. “And, I’m not going to say anything extra except I talk to him all the time — where are you playing next and, you know, when you going and all this stuff — and he wants to come back, I will say that. I believe he really wants to come back and play the Tour.
“But for me personally, there are a lot of guys that are going to be pushed out. … I don’t know how you get an Elevated Event with 72 or 77 people and bring seven superstars in. What do you tell those other seven? And I go, you know, bye-bye.” ‘
Mickelson took exception to those comments, claiming that Couples was a “jerk.” As he saw it, Couples either lied, or he told the truth and took agency away from Koepka.
Phil Mickelson on X
However, it appears that Mickelson quickly regretted that decision. He deleted the tweet within minutes of sending it and before Couples could offer a reply. Maybe he spoke with Couple. Maybe he heard from Koepka, who played the role of mediator. But Mickelson isn’t usually one to avoid the spotlight. So it was fairly eye-opening to seem him tuck tail in this situation.
One thing is certain, the next time he and Couples do talk it’s probably going to be a little awkward.