For all the talk about bridges being rebuilt between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, as Brooks Koepka was reinstated as a PGA Tour member, one name keeps getting left out of the conversation: Phil Mickelson. A specific PGA Tour policy is blocking his return, and the rules offer no loopholes.

Eligibility Window That Misses Phil Mickelson by Design

The PGA Tour's "Returning Member Program" appears to be very forgiving at first glance. However, it is actually quite restrictive by nature. To qualify, a LIV player must have:

• Left the PGA Tour at least two years ago
• Won a major championship or The Players Championship since 2022

That second line is key. It is why Brooks Koepka could walk back in after his 2023 PGA Championship win. And it is exactly why Mickelson cannot.  No loopholes. No appeals process. Under the current wording, Mickelson cannot even apply for reinstatement.

That is why the PGA Tour route is effectively closed for Mickelson right now. As long as the rule remains unchanged, his competitive options are limited to LIV Golf, along with major championships where eligibility is governed separately.

What Actually Changes This (And Why It’s Unlikely to Happen Soon)

There is only one realistic path back. To do this, the PGA Tour would need to widen the eligibility window for reinstatement to allow inclusion of players who won majors in earlier years, or they would have to develop a more comprehensive reinstatement rule altogether.

As yet, there has been no indication of such a move. So, on paper, 2026 will be just as 2025 has been for Mickelson. LIV games. Major appearances. No PGA Tour starts.

Not because he cannot compete, or he would not draw attention. But because the policy says no, and until that policy changes, Phil Mickelson is not waiting outside the PGA Tour door. He is already locked in another room.

Written by

Dolly Bhamrick

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi