Mickelson has expressed his agreement with a friendlier approach and bridging the gap between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. This is in line with Rory McIlroy's recent comments that moments of hostility should be left in the past, after he apologised and acknowledged that LIV is a part of the sport and that it was a mistake to be so antagonistic. 

The US golfer is a highly respected figure on the circuit and is regarded as one of the greatest players in golf history with a total of 51 professional victories, including six majors: three Masters at Augusta, two PGA Championships, and one British Open. The Californian was among the first players to switch from the PGA Tour to the Saudi-backed LIV in 2022 and has been a prominent supporter of the new series. 

Another influential voice is that of Northern Irishman McIlroy, who was once a staunch supporter of the US-based PGA Tour and a vocal critic of the LIV. He had previously stated that he would rather retire than play LIV golf, but as negotiations progressed, he reflected and changed his mind 

"I think at the time I was maybe a little bit hard on the guys that went to LIV Golf in the beginning and I think that was a little bit of a mistake on my part because I realise now that not everybody is in my position or Tiger Woods' position," McIlroy told the Stick to Football podcast. 

What appeared to be a war between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian capital is no longer so, with the two sides in talks to merge or at least integrate into the PGA structure. Although the talks have not been resolved by the deadline set (31 December 2023), they have not yet been concluded and negotiations are still ongoing, 

Now, with the support of several players and a change of stance from others - something that seemed impossible months ago - things seem to be moving even closer to a mega-circuit that is inclusive for all, with better prizes and sporting quality. 

McIlroy's steadfast stance on LIV Golf began to shift after he left the PGA Tour's policy board in November, and with Masters champion Jon Rahm's decision to join the Saudi sovereign fund-backed league last month.

McIlroy called for changes to the European Ryder Cup qualification rules to ensure the Spaniard can continue to play in the competition and did not criticise Rahm's decision to accept a contract reportedly worth between $300 million and $600 million. 

His initial stance of betrayal towards colleagues who switched sides to play for LIV Golf also appears to have changed, as reported by AFP in the podcast: "I think at this point, maybe I was a little bit critical of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the beginning, and I think that it was a mistake on my part because now I realise not everybody is in my position or Tiger Woods' position." 

He concluded by saying, "We all turn professional to make a living from the sport we play and I think that's what I've realised in the last two years. I wouldn't say I've lost the battle against LIV, but I've just accepted the fact that it's part of our sport now.