Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has hinted he may step aside from playing duties with the controversial LIV Golf series if his form does not improve.

In a revealing call with reporters ahead of next week's LIV Golf Individual Championship at Bolingbrook Golf Club, the 54-year-old Mickelson addressed his future role with the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit. Mickelson, who signed a huge $200 million contract to spearhead LIV Golf, currently serves as player and captain of the HyFlyers team but owns an equity stake.

While Mickelson has shown flashes of his brilliance according to his teammates, results-wise it has been a difficult year. The lefty has just one top-20 finish in LIV Golf events and made the weekend at just two of 2024's four major championships so far.

Mickelson acknowledged if he can't perform at the highest level, "I see glimpses and my teammates see glimpses of me being where I expect to be able to compete at this level, but I'm also realistic with myself, and if I'm not able to I'll step aside and let somebody come on in and take the HyFlyers to new levels." 

 Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network

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The American legend still plans to play in all four 2025 majors and several beyond, but foresees taking a background role with LIV Golf and his team if his play continues to fade.

Always thinking long-term, Mickelson said his involvement with the lucrative new series will span the rest of his life both competing and in an advisory capacity off the course. How exactly that shapes up will depend on results - if he can't consistently contend, Mickelson won't hesitate to make way for the next generation.

"I'm in every major on the regular tour next year, and I'll be in three of the four majors for the next six, seven years. I would love to compete and give myself a chance to win in those, and I also want to build this out and create a culture that is sustainable and that people strive to be a part of.

"How I do that, whether it's internally as a player and so forth, or whether it's strictly from the outside, I'm going to be intricately involved with the HyFlyers going forward probably the rest of my life, and then my playing career I'll be realistic where I'm at, too."

While rumors persist of a peace deal between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, Mickelson said at 54, his interests are narrowing to quality over quantity and differ from younger players, so any potential talks are above his influence. 

For now, all eyes are on next week as the iconic ambassador of LIV Golf looks to find his A-game and decide his future path in the game.

"I'm not part of those conversations. At 54, my schedule and my desires are going to be totally different than most of the players," Mickelson said.

"So bigger picture we have to do what's best for the players on LIV and the best for the players throughout the game of golf and not just focus on a 54-year-old, so my desires aren't really relevant, I would say, in that conversation."