Speaking on the eve of the Asian Tour's Saudi International near
Jeddah, Mickelson said the prospect of a new rival had already
prompted the U.S.-based PGA Tour to distribute more money to its
players.
He cited a new Player Impact Program that handed out $40 million
to the players who generated the most media coverage and the
increase in prize money to $20 million at last year's Players
Championship in Florida.
"I think every (top) player has been contacted," the six-time
major winner told reporters when asked about the SGL.
"Everybody is looking at it and seeing parts of it that can
really help and benefit their situation, their life, their
career, and then there's parts of it that they're probably
concerned with.
"I'm appreciative of the fact that there is competition, and
that leverage has allowed for a much better environment on the
PGA Tour.
"My hopes are that the biggest thing, which are media rights and
the way the players have been used for so long, I hope that that
changes through the competitive opportunity."
Dustin Johnson said he was not allowed to disclose how much he
had been offered. He said it was "not similar" to the reported
$20-30 million guarantee given to Briton Ian Poulter.
"I think it's a really good concept," he said. I think it makes
it a little more interesting for the fans and for the players."
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Adelaide; Editing by Peter
Rutherford )
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