Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Despite jumping ship for LIV Golf last year, it appears Phil Mickelson is still keeping a close eye on the PGA Tour.

The six-time major champion, the second highest-earner in the history of the tour, tweeted during Saturday’s final round of the Farmers Insurance Open to question the circuit’s apparel policy.

“The tour doesn’t allow shorts but does allow this week’s leader to wear joggers with ankle socks?” wrote Mickelson. “Showing 4 inches of ankle? I’m no fashion guy, never will be, but there are some things I won’t ever understand.”

• Reed claims “small victory” over Rory

• Former caddie hits at Anthony Kim’s return

The left-hander was referring to this outfit, worn by Sam Ryder in the fourth and final round at Torrey Pines…

On Mickelson’s new home tour, the LIV Golf League, players have been allowed to wear shorts since event number four, which took place in Boston last September. 

The 52-year-old was an early adopter of the new policy and has been a regular in shorts ever since. 

• Sir Nick Faldo blasts LIV and Greg Norman

• BBC ‘set to cut remaining ties’ with The Masters

Of course, his tweet about Ryder and the PGA Tour didn’t go unnoticed. South African ace Erik van Rooyen – no stranger to a pair of joggers himself – hit back with this…

Other Twitter users were just as quick off the mark…

Mickelson is expected to make his first competitive start  when the opening event of the LIV Golf League’s 2023 season takes place in Mexico from February 24-26. 


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses