BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) – Phil Mickelson has not given up playing on the PGA Tour again, although he is not currently welcome.
During his 25-minute session with reporters Monday before the U.S. Open, Mickelson said his preference would be “to be able to choose which path I would like.” One or the other or both ”.
“I am so grateful for the many memories, opportunities, experiences, friendships and relationships that the PGA Tour has given me and that will last a lifetime,” Mickelson said. “But I hope to have the opportunity to create more.”
Mickelson led a 17-member PGA Tour dropout on the LIV Golf series, a move the tour countered by suspending those who decided to keep their affiliations.
When asked why he finally made the move, he said, “I think there’s an incredibly obvious financial commitment.”
Mickelson earned $ 200 million for the new series. Saudi support for the new tour has sparked criticism that those involved in the events are helping the kingdom whitewash its widely criticized human rights record and its connection to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Wearing a hairy beard that debuted to the public last weekend at the LIV event on the outskirts of London, Mickelson spoke of the lifelong membership he has earned for 30 years on the PGA Tour. He said he had no intention of resigning, as Dustin Johnson, Kevin Na, Sergio Garcia and a few others have done, and that it was useless to predict his future on tour.
“I’ve earned this subscription my whole life, so I think it should be my choice,” he said.
Mickelson, who turns 52 on Thursday, won a five-year exemption at the U.S. Open when he won the PGA Championship last year. It means five more opportunities to capture the only major that has escaped him.
He was asked a few times what he could do about his decision to play in the Saudi-backed golf league in his position with a fan base that has adored him for decades.
“I respect and understand his views,” Mickelson said. “I understand that they have strong feelings and strong emotions regarding this election. And I certainly respect that. “
He also showed deference to the players he has competed against over the years, many of whom have been very critical of the new league.
“I respect if they don’t agree,” he said. “But right now this is the right decision.”
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