Phil Mickelson: Threat of rival leagues creates leverage for Tour players

Even the specter of a rival league has already made a difference in the lives of PGA Tour players, Phil Mickelson said Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the Asian Tour’s Saudi International – notable, since he did not give a pre-tournament news conference at the PGA Tour’s American Express despite his hosting duties – Mickelson said that the rumors swirling about a Saudi-backed Super League have given players more leverage on Tour.

Of Golf Saudi, he said, “I think as a player we’re very appreciative of the support that they have shown in supporting the LET and the LPGA, as well as creating some leverage for players to have a leg to stand on and try to make the work environment better on the PGA…