Phil Mickelson hints LIV Golf critic 'made secret £45m request' to join breakaway circuit

Phil Mickelson has hinted to fans that staunch LIV Golf critic Billy Horschel may have tried to join the breakaway circuit.

Horschel has gone public with his criticism of the Saudi-backed tour and Mickelson, who he claimed had made 'idiotic' comments amid the feud with the PGA and DP World Tours.

The American has since suggested players regretted joining LIV, having previously weighed up the 'pros and cons' of making a controversial move with his agent. Former instructor Hank Haney fuelled speculation recently, claiming a "really vocal" critic had secretly approached LIV with a $55million (£45m) offer to join up.

He didn't reveal a name although fans have been speculating on who it might be, with Horschel, 36, mentioned by some after his vocal opposition.

Several Twitter users responded to the Flushing It podcast - where Haney made the claim - mentioning Horschel's name.

And Mickelson did little to dispel those rumours, liking several tweets including one from @HoselBombs that read: "Def Billy Ho."

It could be that the golf legend is just adding fuel to the fire, given how critical Horschel was of his decision to join Greg Norman's breakaway circuit earlier this year.

Mickelson had hit out at the PGA Tour for being a 'dictatorship' and also branded the Saudis "scar motherf******" in comments he has since distanced himself from.

Speaking in February, Horschel said in response: "Phil has been a great ambassador to the game of golf and I honestly feel he’s hurting his reputation and tarnishing his legacy a little bit.

Billy Horschel has been a vocal opponent of LIV Golf players competing in the DP World Tour (Getty Images)

"His comments were a little bit idiotic because some of the statements made are lies or false. I don’t know where he got his information from. It’s unbelievable that he would say certain things because he understands how the PGA Tour works.

He later added: "I know for a fact that certain agents just gave certain players bad information and some of those players are ticked that they listened.

"I think the agents saw dollar signs and wanted to cash in on their side of it as well… I know some players regret listening to agents.”