LIV Golf’s highly anticipated season-opening event in Riyadh will kick off under the lights this week, but it will be missing one of its biggest names. Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion and a key figure in the LIV Golf movement, has announced his withdrawal from the event due to a minor shoulder injury sustained during a recent gym session.
Mickelson’s Announcement and Replacement
Mickelson, the captain of the HyFlyers team, took to social media to share the news with his fans.
“While preparing for the season, I suffered a minor shoulder injury in the gym last week,” Mickelson wrote on X/Twitter. “I’m definitely disappointed that I will miss the season opener, but I look forward to playing in Adelaide. Ollie Schniederjans will tee it up for me this week and I will be pulling for my teammates from home.”
Stepping in for Mickelson is Ollie Schniederjans, a former world No.1 amateur who recently claimed his first professional victory in nine years at the Asian Tour’s International Series India event. This presents a golden opportunity for Schniederjans to showcase his skills on a high-profile stage.
A Setback for Mickelson
This marks the first LIV event Mickelson has ever missed since joining the league. He’s coming off a challenging 2024 season where he managed just one top-10 finish, and fans were eager to see if he could turn things around in the new season. His absence in Riyadh means a delayed start to his campaign, with plans now set on making his 2025 debut at the LIV Golf Adelaide event next week.
What This Means for LIV Golf’s Riyadh Event
Despite Mickelson’s withdrawal, the 54-hole tournament will still feature a strong field, with the competition running from Thursday to Saturday. This scheduling ensures that the final round avoids clashing with Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl, maximizing viewership and engagement.
While Mickelson’s absence is a disappointment for fans, his presence is still expected to be felt as he supports his HyFlyers teammates from the sidelines. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Schniederjans to see if he can make the most of this last-minute opportunity.
Stay tuned as the 2025 LIV Golf season unfolds, with Mickelson set to make his return in Adelaide. Will he bounce back from his struggles last season? Only time will tell.
