Phil Mickelson thinks '4 or 5 guys' on LIV Golf deserve places on Ryder Cup team

Phil Mickelson might not want to "step on Zach Johnson's toes" ahead of his six captain's picks in the 2023 US Ryder Cup team later this month, but he does believe 'four or five ' LIV Golf players deserve a place in the side to face Europe at Marco Simeone in Rome. 

Mickelson, speaking ahead of LIV Golf Bedminster this week, considers Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Talor Gooch as live contenders for picks on this year's team. 

Related: Here's how much every LIV Golf player has earned in 2023

While Mickelson did not name Bryson DeChambeau in his quotes below, he did say there were up to five players in with a shot of making the team from LIV Golf so you would have to think he was the final man in his thinking, especially after shooting 58 to win the Greenbrier by six last week. 

Mickelson told reporters this week:

"I think Talor Gooch is one of the best performers of the year, and Brooks [Koepka] is one of the toughest competitors, and then you always want to throw DJ [Dustin Johnson] or Patrick Reed in there because of their consistency. It's also understandable if as a captain you decide to go with a team that brings about a certain chemistry, but if you're looking just straight for the best players, there's four or five guys here that warrant that."

As it stands, Koepka is already in the team but other LIV Golf players such as DeChambeau will need to rely on a pick.

Opinion: Why Zach Johnson MUST pick Bryson DeChambeau for the Ryder Cup

Johnson will make his six picks after the Tour Championship at the end of this month. 

Rory McIlroy fired shots at Mickelson after his first round at the FedEx St Jude Championship on Thursday when he was asked for his thoughts on him allegedly betting $400k on the 2012 Ryder Cup.

WATCH RORY DAGGER PHIL HERE

But Mickelson has since responded to the claims, explaining:

"I never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course,  I would never undermine the integrity of the game. I have also been very open about my gambling addiction.  I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now."

Jordan Spieth admitted PGA Tour players were surprised by the revelations. 

Related: Rory makes big Tiger Woods claim