BROOKLINE, Mass. – Phil Mickelson stood behind a temporary back wall in a small open-air interview tent for this week’s U.S. Open two minutes before his pre-tournament press conference Monday at 1 p.m., talking to a USGA official, who asked if he wanted the interview cut short at a given time.
“No,” Mickelson told the officer. “We can go the time we need. I understand that (journalists) have a lot of questions.”
And so began Mickelson’s 51-year-old second stint in six days by reporters looking for answers as to why he has chosen to join the LIV Golf tour, with the support of Greg Norman, backed by Saudi Arabia, a decision that has led to its suspension from the PGA. Tour along with 16 other players who played at the opening event of the tour last week.
Last Wednesday, before the London event of the LIV tour, Mickelson came out of his four-month self-exile and was full of questions about his alliance with the Saudis for about $ 200 million and where the money.
On Monday, a few miles west of downtown Boston before this week’s U.S. Open, Mickelson faced a familiar scene and found it as visibly uncomfortable as last week’s session outside. of London.
Phil Mickelson answering questions at the U.S. Open on June 13, 2022. Getty Images
Mickelson began with an opening statement, saying, “It’s been four months. It has given me the opportunity to spend time with (his wife) Amy, to spend time with loved ones, and to continue working therapy with some of the shortcomings that I no doubt have. as well as focusing on the best path to follow.It has been a positive moment in this regard.
“I know many of you have strong opinions, emotions about my choice to move on with LIV Golf. I understand and respect that.”
One of the urgent issues Mickelson was asked about was the letter he and the other players involved in LIV Golf received from the 9/11 families to denounce their decisions to align with the Saudi Arabia, as 15 of the 19 kidnappers were from that country.
“I would say to all those who have lost loved ones, friends lost on 9/11 that I have a deep and deep empathy for them,” Mickelson said. “I can’t stress it enough. I have the deepest sympathy and empathy for them.”
🗣️ “I know a lot of people have strong opinions and emotions about my choice.”
Phil Mickelson says he “respects and understands” the reaction to the news that he will play in the LIV Golf Series.pic.twitter.com/JkyItA1K5f
– Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 13, 2022
Mickelson was asked if he was worried that his legacy would be damaged by his move to the LIV tour.
“I’ve been a part of the PGA TOUR for over 30 years and I’ve enjoyed my time,” he said. “I am just happy to be here. I have enjoyed the lifestyle it offers me. I have enjoyed the fact that playing golf through the PGA Tour has been able to give a lot to me and my family. I appreciate that fact.
“During this time, I have worked hard behind the scenes and to try to contribute as a way to show my gratitude, and I have also done my best to get back to it. So … I feel good about the efforts I have made to trying to get back to golf and the Tour, and I’m excited about the opportunity that LIV Golf offers for me and the game of golf in the future.
“I’ve done everything I can to help contribute to the game, to the PGA TOUR during my stay with them, and that’s all I can do.”
Phil Mickelson addressed reporters Monday at the U.S. Open after playing at the first LIV Golf event near London over the weekend.AP
When asked if he cares that his popularity among fans has been damaged and what his reaction will be if his fans turn their backs on him, Mickelson said: “As to whether fans are whether they go or not, I respect and understand their opinions, and I understand that they have strong feelings and strong emotions regarding this choice, and I certainly respect them (and) that. “
Mickelson made it clear that his preference is not to be far from the PGA Tour, which he hopes will one day continue to play PGA Tour events as well as LIV Golf events.
“I have worked hard to earn my lifetime subscription. I have worked hard to get back on the PGA Tour and golf game during my more than 30 years of professional golf, and I have earned this lifetime subscription. , so I think that should be my choice, “Mickelson said. “It’s pretty public that I’m suspended along with a lot of other players, so I’d just be speculative in the future. pure speculation I don’t know how all this will go.
“My preference is to be able to choose which path I would like, one or the other or both. I gave my best for the PGA Tour and the game of golf throughout my 30 years here, and thanks to my successes on the course, I have earned a lifetime membership. I intend to keep it and then choose in advance which events to play and not. “
Mickelson was asked what attracted him to the LIV Golf series.
Phil Mickelson didn’t seem comfortable talking to reporters Monday at the U.S. Open.AP
“There’s an incredibly obvious financial commitment, but more than that, for all the players involved and all involved, there are other factors (like) with fewer tournaments, it allows me to have more balance in my life,” he said. “It allows me to do things that are off the golf course that I have always wanted to do. I find that as I prioritize those that are important to me, people that are important to me in the future, this allows me to spend more time with them, be more present, and share more life experiences outside of golf.
“I think there are a lot of things about LIV Golf that are transformative,” Mickelson continued. “Two are specifically a different format from a format that has been the same for half a century or more, and I think moving tournaments around the world and taking this type of golf championship to different parts of the world will have a very positive effect. global in sport “.
When asked how he feels about the “blow” he has suffered since joining LIV Golf, Mickelson said: “I respect everyone’s opinion, and this is causing a lot of strong emotions for and against with a lot of people, and I respect the opinions that everyone has. “
Mickelson didn’t leave before being asked about his new appearance, with a messy facial hair look we’ve never seen in public.
“Amy liked it, so whenever she likes it, she’s here,” he said. “When she says she’s gone, she’s gone.”