As tradition dictates, golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Gary Player kicked off the 2025 Masters Tournament as honorary starters Thursday morning at Augusta National. But it wasn’t just ceremonial tee shots and applause that made headlines—Nicklaus stirred up conversation with a pointed remark about fellow golf icon Phil Mickelson.
The 85-year-old Nicklaus, widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game, didn’t hold back when asked about Mickelson’s current standing in the sport.
“You Don’t See It Anymore”: Nicklaus Throws Shade at LIV Golf
During a pre-round press conference, Nicklaus was asked to comment on both Mickelson and Tiger Woods, two generational players whose careers have taken vastly different turns.
“I don’t know what level Phil’s competing at,” Nicklaus said. “I guess he’s still playing — he’s playing the LIV tour, isn’t he? I don’t know if he’s played or not. You don’t know, you don’t see it anymore.”
The bluntness of the comment was hard to miss. Nicklaus, who has remained a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour and its traditions, appeared to subtly question the legitimacy and visibility of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed rival league that has disrupted the professional golf landscape since its launch in 2022.
Comparing Careers: Nicklaus Applauds Woods, Minimizes Mickelson
Though Nicklaus did acknowledge Mickelson’s achievements—saying he’s “been a good player, no question about that”—his praise was far more effusive when it came to Tiger Woods, who is currently sidelined with a torn Achilles.
“I think Tiger will get well and Tiger will be back and playing,” Nicklaus said optimistically. “Tiger will be 50 next year. I believe he’ll probably play the senior tour, and he’ll probably dominate the senior tour. Tiger’s too much of a competitor not to play. … I don’t think Tiger will play for money. He doesn’t need money.”
The juxtaposition was clear: Nicklaus sees Woods’ legacy as evolving, whereas Mickelson’s appears, in his view, to be stagnating.
LIV Golf and Mickelson’s Controversial Move
Phil Mickelson, 54, was one of the first major figures to join LIV Golf, a move that sparked significant debate in the golfing world. LIV, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has attracted several top players with massive contracts—some rumored to be in the nine-figure range.
Critics, including Nicklaus by implication, have suggested that the quality of competition in LIV events doesn’t compare to the PGA Tour or major championships. The LIV format—54 holes, no cuts, and team play—has been viewed by some as less rigorous, despite its star-studded roster.
Mickelson’s Recent Form: A Mixed Bag
Since nearly capturing his fourth Masters title with a thrilling final-round 65 in 2023, ultimately finishing second—Mickelson’s form in majors has declined.
Recent Major Performance:
- Missed the cut in 4 of his last 7 major appearances
- Best finish in that span: Tied for 43rd
- Last strong showing: 2023 Masters (Runner-up)
This year, he’s participated in four LIV events, with his most recent performance being a sixth-place finish in Miami after shooting 1-under. While respectable, it’s not the level of dominance fans once expected from the six-time major winner.
Rough Start at the 2025 Masters
Mickelson didn’t get off to an ideal start at this year’s Masters either. He shot a 3-over 75 in Thursday’s opening round, leaving him well off the pace in a stacked field.
While there’s still time to make a move, Mickelson will need a significant rebound in Friday’s second round to avoid missing another major cut.
Legacy at Augusta: Mickelson vs. Nicklaus
Phil Mickelson remains one of Augusta’s most beloved figures, thanks to his three Green Jackets (2004, 2006, 2010) and flair for dramatic shot-making. However, comments like Nicklaus’s reflect the divide in how traditionalists view players who’ve left the PGA Tour behind.
Nicklaus himself holds six Masters titles—the most in history—and has long been a vocal advocate for the prestige and integrity of the original tour structure. His remarks reinforce a broader narrative about legacy vs. money, one that continues to polarize the sport.
What’s Next for Mickelson?
While it’s too early to count him out completely at Augusta, Mickelson’s Masters run in 2025 may not echo his past triumphs. If anything, his presence in the LIV circuit and lukewarm results in recent majors are prompting more questions than answers.
Still, golf fans know never to rule out “Lefty” when the putter heats up. And if he finds something in Round 2, he could still make a charge.
A Subtle Shot Heard Around the Golf World
Jack Nicklaus’s comments may not have been overtly hostile, but they were certainly pointed. In a sport where legacy is everything, words from someone of Nicklaus’s stature carry weight.
Whether you agree with him or not, his subtle jab at Mickelson underscores how LIV Golf continues to divide opinion—and how Mickelson’s legacy is being viewed in a very different light than it was just a few years ago.
As the 2025 Masters continues, all eyes will be on Augusta—not just for the leaderboard drama, but for the underlying tension that still lingers in the game.