Mickelson names player he wants to add in LIV | Golf News

Phil Mickelson has expressed enthusiasm about the opening of the LIV Golf switch window, with the HyFlyers captain decided to secure a major addition to his roster.

LIV confirmed on Thursday that its free company period had commenced, enabling groups to alter their lineups before the 2026 season, which is scheduled to kick off in Saudi Arabia in February. It comes after Tiger Woods provided a PGA Tour star the possibility to rejuvenate their profession.

The six-time major champion has an opening on his HyFlyers squad following Andy Ogletree’s relegation, one of six gamers demoted at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Martin Kaymer, who leads the Cleeks, faces a related scenario and has mentioned potential recruits with 15 candidates.

Mickelson and the HyFlyers have seldom challenged at the top of leaderboards throughout the past three years. The left-hander positioned twenty fourth in the Individual Championship standings this season, while Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele completed twenty eighth and forty fifth, respectively.

Mickelson’s squad clearly wants to make substantial enhancements to persistently problem Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII and Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers, LIV’s most dominant groups. The 55-year-old is optimistic about attracting a high-caliber player to fill the spot left by the relegated Ogletree on the HyFlyers.

“Every team has the chance to reevaluate and build something special in the offseason, just like in other major sports. It also keeps fans invested and engaged in what we are doing and there’s terrific excitement heading into next year,” Mickelson said.

“Losing a player on HyFlyers GC this season opens the door to bring someone in who further elevates our team and makes us more competitive.

“I really like the tradition now we have created with HyFlyers GC, and as captain, I’m excited to add to our camaraderie and our dedication to taking part in championship-caliber golf.

“There is great energy and belief in what we are building and that it is evident from the players I am talking to who want to join our team. I know there is tremendous excitement around how every LIV team is evolving as we head into a new season.”

Mickelson has been open about his need to signal Auburn sensation Jackson Koivun, who presently sits at No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. The 20-year-old has shown exceptional promise during his temporary PGA Tour appearances, efficiently making the cut in six of his seven event entries in 2025. During that stretch, he’s recorded 4 top-11 placements.

Last yr, Koivun claimed the Haskins Award, the very best honor for faculty golfers in America. The California-born player secured his PGA Tour credentials in May via the University Accelerated program, though he’s chosen to postpone his skilled debut and continue at Auburn for another season.

Koivun represents precisely the kind of rising star LIV is concentrating on in its current growth strategy, following its initial method of recruiting big-name veterans with profitable contracts to set up legitimacy. Mickelson’s curiosity in including Koivun to his roster is unmistakable.

“This young man is an amazing talent and destined for greatness. He would also look great in a HyFlers outfit,” Mickelson shared on X, playfully including a winking emoji, after Koivun’s spectacular T4 end at the Procore Championship last month.