Phil Mickelson makes startling comments about Saudi golf league: report

Phil Mickelson reportedly backed the concept of collaborating with Saudi Arabia for a brand new golf league in a e book regardless of the nation’s report on human rights.

Mickelson’s remarks concerning the proposed Saudi-backed golf league that may rival the PGA Tour got here in an interview with creator Alan Shipnuck, whose e book, “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colourful Famous person” is scheduled for a Could launch. 

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Phil Mickelson hits a tee shot on the fifth gap of the South Course at Torrey Pines in the course of the first spherical of the Farmers Insurance coverage Open golf event Jan. 26, 2022, in San Diego.
(AP Photograph/Denis Poroy)

Shipnuck posted a narrative based mostly on the telephone interview on “The Firepit Collective” web site.

“They’re scary motherf—–s to get entangled with,” Mickelson reportedly mentioned. “We all know they killed [Washington Post reporter Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible report on human rights. They execute folks over there for being homosexual. Realizing all of this, why would I even think about it? As a result of this can be a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.

“They’ve been in a position to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm techniques as a result of we, the gamers, had no recourse. As good a man as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes throughout as, until you will have leverage, he received’t do what’s proper. And the Saudi cash has lastly given us that leverage. I’m unsure I even need [the Saudi golf league] to succeed, however simply the concept of it’s permitting us to get issues completed with the [PGA] Tour.”

Phil Mickelson watches his shot off the eleventh tee in the course of the first spherical of the Vacationers Championship golf event at TPC River Highlands June 24, 2021, in Cromwell, Conn.
(AP Photograph/John Minchillo)

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Mickelson’s remarks ruffled feathers amongst PGA golfers.

Justin Thomas was amongst those that criticized “Lefty.”

“He is completed loads of nice issues for the PGA Tour,” Thomas mentioned Friday. “It’s a giant cause it’s the place it’s. However him and others which can be very adamant about that, in the event that they’re that passionate, go forward. I don’t suppose anyone’s stopping them.”

Mickelson claimed he has about 20 gamers prepared to go away for a Saudi league.

“That is not what they’ll need, is it? They do not need some form of league that’s like a pre-Champions Tour. I suppose I perceive the monetary a part of it for guys which can be in a while of their profession,” Rory McIlroy mentioned Wednesday.

Phil Mickelson reacts after lacking a putt on the ninth inexperienced in the course of the ultimate spherical of the Vacationers Championship golf event at TPC River Highlands June 27, 2021, in Cromwell, Conn.
(AP Photograph/John Minchillo)

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“You have a look at the folks that have already mentioned no,” McIlroy mentioned, mentioning prime gamers like Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa. “You’ve got bought the highest gamers on the earth are saying no, in order that has to let you know one thing.”

The Related Press contributed to this report.