Axed LIV Golf star set for PGA Tour start sent parting message to Phil Mickelson

Former LIV Golf star James Piot, preparing for a start on the PGA Tour, lauded his ex-team captain Phil Mickelson after losing his place on the breakaway circuit in 2023.

Piot was one of four players to be caught up in LIV's inaugural relegation process, and the former US Amateur champion has not managed to make a comeback since. The 26-year-old was recruited by Mickelson to join the HyFlyers before he was ousted from the league nearly two years ago.

Since then, Piot has spent most of his time playing golf on the Asian Tour, with stars relegated from the Saudi-funded league being offered spots on the Asian circuit.

He has since returned to the US and has been granted a sponsor exemption to participate in the PGA Tour for the first time since his transition to the LIV set-up, competing in the Rocket Classic this week. Although his stint on the breakaway circuit ultimately resulted in relegation, it will have been a significant experience in his career.

Piot had the opportunity to work alongside one of the sport's legends, Mickelson, and he spoke highly of his former captain after losing his spot. "It was phenomenal, Phil is an awesome captain," Piot said to Mirror US Sports while competing on the Asian Tour last season.

"He went over and beyond what I expected from him as a captain. Walking in, I did not know what to expect, knowing he is one of the greatest players of all time, but I think he exceeded my expectations. He was a great mentor, captain, and a great leader."

Piot's focus now shifts to the PGA Tour, where he will be playing in his home region at the Detroit Golf Club. The former LIV player had intended to participate in the Monday qualifier earlier this week, until it was announced that he had been granted a spot in the tournament by the event's sponsors.

It has since emerged that Piot was actually in the car park of the qualifying event when he received the call confirming his place in the tournament. Rocket Classic boss Mark Hollis was delighted that the ex-HyFlyers member accepted the offer earlier this week.

"There was a lot of support, and it was one of the happiest calls I've made," Hollis shared with Detroit News on Monday morning. "He's somebody we wanted in from the get-go as we were going through the process. It had to play out the way it played out."

Understandably, Piot is eager to tee off at an event that holds such significance for him.

"For it to actually happen is the coolest thing in the world," Piot expressed. "It's awesome. Just the fact that I finally get to play in the Rocket Classic is a dream come true. Ever since the event was created on the schedule, I wanted to be a part of it."