Phil Mickelson on Tuesday apologized for remarks about the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabian backers of a proposed rival tour, saying that he will “desperately need some time away” from golf.
The 51-year-old left-hander, winner of six major titles and the reigning PGA Championship titleholder, also lost long-time sponsor KPMG after issuing a lengthy apology on Twitter.
Author Alan Shipnuck released excerpts last week from his upcoming book about Mickelson, the US star calling the Saudi Arabian government “scary” with a “horrible record on human rights.”
Photo: AP
“Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it?” Mickelson said about the potential for joining the Saudi Arabian tour.
“Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates,” he said. “They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse.”
Mickelson was quoted as saying he was willing to work with the Saudi Golf League despite human rights issues, because it would provide leverage to create change on the PGA Tour.
“I used words I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions,” Mickelson said. “It was reckless, I offended people and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I’m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.”
Mickelson said that off-the-record comments were shared out of context and that his actions “have always been with the best interest of golf.”
Rory McIlroy was among many players who criticized Mickelson for his remarks.
Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson distanced themselves from the Saudi Arabian league last weekend in the wake of Mickelson’s remarks being revealed.
“I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public,” Mickelson said. “My intent was never to hurt anyone and I’m so sorry to the people I have negatively impacted.
“This has always been about supporting the players and the game, and I appreciate all the people who have given me the benefit of the doubt,” he said.
Still, Mickelson criticized the way the game is being guided.
“Golf desperately needs change and real change is always preceded by disruption,” Mickelson said in his apology statement. “I’ve always known that criticism would come with exploring anything new. I still chose to put myself at the forefront of this to inspire change, taking the hits publicly to do the work behind the scenes.”
Three-time Masters champion Mickelson became the oldest major winner in history in May last year at Kiawah Island when he won the PGA at age 50.
However, he said that pressure and stress have worn him down over the past decade, and he needs a break from the tour grind.
“I have experienced many successful and rewarding moments that I will always cherish, but I’ve often failed myself and others too,” Mickelson wrote.
“The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level,” he said. “I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.”
Mickelson said his experience with the Saudi LIV Golf Investments group was “very positive” and “I apologize for anything I said that was taken out of context.”
He called those he worked with on the project “visionaries” and “supportive” people who “share my drive to make the game better.”
Regarding his sponsors and business partners, Mickelson said: “I have given all of them the option to pause or end the relationship as I understand it might be necessary given the current circumstances.”
A statement from KPMG said that it and Mickelson “have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately. We wish him the best.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely