Wait, did Phil Mickelson record a LIV video from a Rwanda gorilla refuge?

Phil Mickelson recorded a LIV Golf promotional video from a gorilla refuge in Rwanda while wearing a black mask.

No, this is not Mad Libs. And good luck trying to explain all of that to 2000 you. Though, maybe even 2022 you is … confused? 

As we did above, we’ll stick to the facts as we break it down how we got here. First, Mickelson. You know him. In a sentence, he’s a 52-year-old six-time major champion, and he also plotted to leave the PGA Tour because of various grievances, said some R-rated words about the backers of his potential new golf venture, apologized, left golf for four months, returned and has played two events for the new series and the past two majors. That’s a lot, but then again, folks have written books trying to document all of this. 

LIV Golf is Mickelson’s new home. LIV is supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and the PIF serves as the financial arm of the Saudi government, which has committed numerous human-rights violations. The series will also play next week at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, and that course was to have hosted this year’s PGA Championship, only for the PGA of America to move it following the events on Jan. 6 involving its owner. This, too, is a lot.

The promotional video introduced LIV’s newest announcer, David Feherty. And, from various locations, LIV Golf players Bryson DeChambeau, Graeme McDowell, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Kevin Na did that, first seemingly pretending that the promo was to announce that a golfer was joining the series, only to reveal they were talking about Feherty. He also appeared in the video. 

Mickelson’s part was shown at the end. He’s wearing a black mask, likely because of Covid precautions. In the background were four gorillas. 

The last time we saw Mickelson, he shot 72 and 77 at last week’s Open Championship, missed the cut, became frustrated over a series of LIV Golf questions and walked across St. Andrews’ famed Swilcan Bridge while playing his 18th hole with little fanfare, at least compared to his longtime rival, Tiger Woods. Then Mickelson apparently went to Africa, he was asked to send over a video, he said was in Rwanda, he recorded it anyway, and LIV included it. 

“Hey, David. It’s Phil here under this mask, in Rwanda hanging with the gorillas,” Mickelson said in the video. “Just wanted to welcome you to LIV.”

OK. 

Maybe this clears it all up.

Or maybe you’re more confused.  

But yeah, Phil Mickelson recorded a LIV Golf promotional video from a gorilla refuge in Rwanda while wearing a black mask.

If you’re more curious, the video is below. 

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Nick Piastowski

Golf.com Editor

Nick Piastowski is a Senior Editor at Golf.com and Golf Magazine. In his role, he is responsible for editing, writing and developing stories across the golf space. And when he’s not writing about ways to hit the golf ball farther and straighter, the Milwaukee native is probably playing the game, hitting the ball left, right and short, and drinking a cold beer to wash away his score. You can reach out to him about any of these topics — his stories, his game or his beers — at nick.piastowski@golf.com.