Phil Mickelson has fired back at Fred Couples over comments made regarding Brooks Koepka’s possible return to the PGA Tour, calling it a “low class jerk move.” The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between players on the traditional circuit and those who made the move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
Koepka, who signed with LIV Golf in 2022 for a reported $100 million, has been the subject of speculation regarding a potential return to the PGA Tour. Concerns about the limited number of competitive events on LIV and the impact on his game have been cited as possible reasons for his interest in returning. Couples, speaking on a Seattle radio station, suggested that Koepka was actively looking to rejoin the PGA Tour, saying, “He wants to come back. I will say that I believe he really wants to come back and play the tour.”
Mickelson, one of the most vocal figures in the LIV-PGA divide, was quick to respond on social media. In a post that was later deleted, he criticized Couples’ remarks, arguing that they either misrepresented Koepka’s stance or robbed him of control over his own decision-making. “If it’s not true, he damaged a relationship which he cares about,” Mickelson wrote. “If it’s true, he took away Brook’s control of the timeline and narrative. Either way, this is a low class jerk move by Fred.”
The exchange adds another layer of tension to an already fractured golf landscape. With the Masters approaching, Mickelson and Couples will be in the same room for the annual past champions’ dinner at Augusta National, setting the stage for a potentially awkward encounter. Couples, who won the Masters in 1992, has been an outspoken critic of LIV Golf and its players, while Mickelson has been one of its most ardent defenders.
Koepka, a five-time major champion, previously hinted that he might not have joined LIV if not for injuries that left him uncertain about his long-term future in professional golf. Since then, he has won a major championship while competing on the LIV circuit, capturing the 2023 PGA Championship. However, questions remain about how LIV’s format, with its limited events and guaranteed payouts, affects player competitiveness compared to the week-in, week-out grind of the PGA Tour.
Meanwhile, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan avoided directly addressing the possibility of players returning from LIV. When asked about whether LIV golfers had reached out regarding a potential comeback, Monahan deflected, stating that his focus remained on strengthening the PGA Tour and its relationship with fans. The ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund could ultimately play a role in determining whether players like Koepka have a path back to the traditional circuit.
As the golf world continues to grapple with its ongoing divide, Mickelson’s strong words against Couples underscore the personal and professional stakes involved. With negotiations still unresolved and key figures on both sides making their positions clear, the tension between LIV and PGA Tour loyalists shows no signs of easing.
