Phil Mickelson is a paradox in a golf glove. Honestly, trying to pin down a definitive Phil Mickelson score right now is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands, especially since he spends most of his time in the LIV Golf universe.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, Phil isn't actually on a course mid-round. The 2026 LIV Golf season hasn't officially kicked off its first event yet. We're currently in that weird "pre-season" lull where the guys are grinding in Scottsdale or Jupiter, getting their bodies right for the flight to Riyadh. The first real scorecard we'll see from Lefty will be at the LIV Golf Riyadh event, which is slated to start on February 4, 2026.
The Numbers You Actually Need to Care About
If you're looking for his most recent competitive form to see if he's still "got it," we have to look back at how he closed out 2025. It was a rollercoaster. Classic Phil.
He ended his 2025 LIV campaign at the Individual Championship in Indianapolis with a total score of 6-under par, finishing in a tie for 40th. Not exactly world-beating. But just a few months before that, he nearly burned the house down in Virginia with a T4 finish at 13-under.
You've got to realize that at 55, Phil’s "score" isn't just a number on a card; it's a battle against time.
Breaking Down the 2025 "Final" Scorecard
- Total Birdies: 149 (Ranked 31st in the league)
- Putting Average: 1.56 (Ranked T5—his flat stick is still lethal)
- Scrambling: 60.96% (18th in the league)
- Driving Distance: 305.3 yards (35th in the league)
He's still hitting it past most guys at your local muni, but he’s basically average for the professional elite. The magic happens around the greens. That hasn't changed since 1992.
Is Phil Still "The Phil" in 2026?
There's a lot of chatter about his eligibility for the majors this year. This is where it gets spicy. 2026 is a massive pivot point for Mickelson's legacy because his five-year exemption from that legendary 2021 PGA Championship win is officially expiring for the U.S. Open.
If he wants to complete the career Grand Slam at Winged Foot or wherever the USGA lands, he can't just walk through the front door anymore. He’s going to have to qualify or hope for a "special exemption." Given the political climate between the PGA Tour and LIV, that’s a coin flip at best.
The "Snub" Heard 'Round the Links
Just a few days ago, on January 13, 2026, the golf world went into a bit of a meltdown. The PGA Tour announced this new "Returning Member Program." It’s basically a pathway for LIV guys like Brooks Koepka to come back into the fold.
But they set the cutoff at 2022.
Phil won the PGA in 2021.
People think it was a targeted move to keep him out. Phil, being Phil, just posted a bunch of "laughing" emojis on social media. He seems happy where he is, captaining the HyFlyers GC. He's basically the CEO of a small sports franchise now. His score on the course matters, but his "score" in the boardroom is where he's spending a lot of energy.
Why His Scorecard Often Looks Like a Heart Monitor
Phil has always been the "all or nothing" guy. In 2025, he had that 3rd place finish in Hong Kong where he shot 14-under. Then he goes to Korea and shoots 7-over to finish 50th.
It’s frustrating to watch if you’re a bettor. It’s exhilarating if you’re a fan.
The reality is that his iron play is still top-tier. He ranked 22nd in Strokes Gained: Approach last year. He’s still "dialed," as the kids say, from 150 yards in. But he only hits about 62% of his fairways. When you're 55 and playing from the thick stuff, you aren't going to win many trophies.
What to Expect from Phil This Season
When the Riyadh event starts in February, expect him to be aggressive. He’s been working on his "bubble of calm" and his physical fitness—the dude looks like he's made of beef jerky and coffee these days.
He still wants that win. He hasn't won a LIV individual title yet. That’s a glaring hole in his resume that he desperately wants to fill before he transitions into a permanent "ambassador" role.
- Watch the Short Game: If Phil is scrambling well in the first round in Riyadh, he’ll be in the top 10.
- The U.S. Open Drama: Keep an eye on the June qualifying rounds. Seeing a Hall of Famer grind it out in a 36-hole qualifier would be the most Phil thing ever.
- Team Points: As captain of the HyFlyers, his score helps the team. They finished middle of the pack in 2025 and need him to find more consistency.
The era of Phil Mickelson dominating every weekend is over. We have to accept that. But the era of Phil Mickelson being the most interesting guy on the property? That’s nowhere near finished.
To stay on top of his progress, keep an eye on the official LIV Golf leaderboard starting February 4. Don't just look at the total score; look at the "Birdies Made" column. That’s where the "Lefty" magic still lives. If you're tracking his 2026 journey, your next move should be checking the final field list for the Masters in April, as that will be his first major test of the year.