To the surprise of few, Phil Mickelson announced that he will be playing in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf International Series, starting this week. Mickelson released a statement explaining his decision and how he apparently still plans to play in major events.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 6, 2022
“First and foremost, I want to again apologize to the many people I offended and hurt with my comments a few months ago,” Mickelson said. “I have made mistakes in my career in some of the things I have said and done. Taking time away and self-reflecting has been very humbling. I need to start prioritizing the people that I love the most and work on becoming a better version of myself.”
“I am thrilled to begin with LIV Golf and I appreciate everyone involved,” Mickelson continued. “I also intend to play the majors. I fully realize and respect some may disagree with this decision and have strong opinions and I empathize with that. I have a renewed spirit and excitement for the game.”
Phil Mickelson, a chief recruiter for a Saudi-funded rival league to the PGA Tour, is ending his four-month hiatus from competitive golf by adding his name to the 48-man field for the LIV Golf Invitational that starts Friday outside London. https://t.co/JkFHrTM3ho
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 6, 2022
Mickelson has already skipped two majors so far this year, the Masters and the PGA Championship. The PGA Tour has made it clear that those players like Mickelson who join or play LIV events may not be allowed to return to play on the tour and could be fined, suspended, or banned. However, majors outside of the jurisdiction of the PGA Tour have signaled they’ll accept LIV golfers, including the U.S. Open (staged by the United States Golf Association) next week.
Mickelson’s announcement certainly garnered some strong reactions given who is backing the LIV Golf series and his previous comments.
https://twitter.com/ParkerMolloy/status/1533895155429699584
Horse Hockey. https://t.co/tTNdwjU0KL
— David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) June 6, 2022
“I also love a progressive format and think it will be exciting for the fans”
They literally can’t giveaway tickets for free for the 1st event! https://t.co/ajTbzWEt6h
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) June 6, 2022
All he had to say was “I’m taking the money” and the same outcome would be had. https://t.co/3ZtsmNaerk
— Travis Fulton (@travisfulton) June 6, 2022
(ESPN}
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.