Phil Mickelson’s controversial feedback concerning the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway league organizers proceed to generate a backlash, because the six-times major champ won’t be the host of the American Specific occasion in La Quinta, California.
The PGA Tour on Saturday informed The Desert Solar that along with Mickelson not returning as host in January 2023, the Mickelson Basis won’t be the occasion’s charitable arm.
On Friday, it was introduced that Callaway Golf had quickly suspended her relationship with Mickelson whereas Workday ended her sponsorship with him. Two different sponsors, KPMG and Amstel Mild, minimize ties with Mickelson earlier within the week.
Writer Alan Shipnuck launched an excerpt from Mickelson’s upcoming unauthorized autobiography final week. In it, Mickelson known as the Saudis “intimidating” however stated he was trying past their controversial historical past of human rights abuses to achieve affect via the PGA Tour.
His feedback drew widespread criticism – together with from fellow PGA Tour gamers – which led Mickelson to apologize days later.
“Though it would not appear to be that now given my latest feedback, my actions all through this course of have at all times been with the pursuits of golfers, my friends, sponsors and followers,” Mickelson wrote. “There may be the difficulty of sharing casual feedback out of context and with out my consent, however the greatest concern is that I’ve used phrases that don’t mirror my true emotions or intentions.
“It was reckless, I offended individuals, and I’m deeply sorry for my alternative of phrases. I’m very disenchanted and can do my greatest to self-reflection and study from this.”
He added that he was taking time away from golf “to prioritize these he loves most and to work on being the person he desires.”
On the “Fireplace Pit Collective” podcast, Shipnuck stated Mickelson reached out to him to debate the PGA Tour and different points in November. Shipnock stated Mickelson by no means stated their dialogue was unpublishable or for background functions solely, and he knew it will be utilized in his e-book.
“I’ve made many errors in my life, lots of which have been shared with the general public,” Mickelson wrote as a part of his assertion. “My aim was to not harm anybody, and I am sorry for the individuals I’ve affected negatively. This has at all times been about supporting gamers and I recognize all of the individuals who gave me the advantage of the doubt.”
Mickelson, 51, has been the host of the American Specific occasion since 2020.
Final month, American Specific prolonged its title sponsorship deal for the occasion to 2028. In accordance with The Desert Solar, the occasion has resulted within the distribution of $68 million to native charities for the reason that occasion first started in 1960.
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach contributed to this report.
