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Phil Mickelson addressed the media on Wednesday Before the First Tournament of LIV Golf And his first contest since making a firearm with comments about Saudi Arabia.
Mickelson would not say whether he was disciplined by the PGA Tour for joining a Saudi-backed golf league set to rival the organization. He said that he regretted some of the things he had said.
He sparked controversy when he dismissed Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. The comments he made were for a book Further excerpts by author Alan Shipnk were published in February. He said he considered joining LIV Golf because it was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” regardless of Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations.
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Phil Mickelson attends a press conference ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, Wednesday June 8, 2022 at Centurion Club, Hertfordshire, England.
(Steven Paston/PA via AP)
Mickelson will apologize for the comments and will read them again on Wednesday.
“I don’t condone human rights violations at all. No one here does, around the world. I certainly know what happened to Jamal Khashoggi, and I think it’s horrible,” he said. They said, via espn, “I’ve also seen the game of golf do well throughout history, and I believe that LIV golf is going to do very well for the sport as well. I’m excited about this opportunity, and so I’m like ‘Here I am’ “
Mickelson took a leave of absence following Saudi Arabia’s comments. He said that while he was away he had time to continue treatment and spend time with his family.
Phil Mickelson would not say whether he was disciplined by the PGA Tour for joining the Saudi-backed golf league.
(Steven Paston/PA via AP)
Liv Golf will include Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed in controversial tour: report
He said he didn’t resign from the PGA Tour, on the contrary Dustin Johnson and Louis Osthuizenwho disclosed on Tuesday that he resigned from his membership.
“I’ve gotten a lot out of the PGA Tour, and I’ve got a lot. I worked really hard to contribute and add value to the tour during my time there. I worked really hard to earn a lifetime discount And I don’t want to leave it and I don’t think I should.”
“I don’t know what that means for the future. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I’ve earned that, and I don’t plan on giving it up.”
Phil Mickelson during the Pro-Am at Centurion Club, Hertfordshire, England, before the LIV Golf Invitational Series, Wednesday June 8, 2022.
(Steven Paston/PA via AP)
Mickelson will be allowed to play at the US Open next week if he wants to.
United States Golf Association said This weekend LIV will not ban golfers from playing at the US Open.
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Mickelson said he plans to play in the US Open. He finished 62nd at last year’s event, and is the only major event he hasn’t won.