SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (AP) – This week, the PGA Tour visits the Arizona desert for the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party (no offense, Georgia-Florida football fans).
The weather prediction is ideal for the Chamber of Commerce. Fans have returned in force to TPC Scottsdale, just as they did in the past. And the field is loaded, with World No. 1 Jon Rahm and defending winner Brooks Koepka leading the way.
While there’s lots of conversation about the tournament, the crowds, and the good times, Tour pros are still talking about Saudi golf – and the possibility of a breakaway Super Golf League.
Phil Mickelson, one of many players who accepted appearance money to participate in the Saudi International last week, spoke freely about players’ rights, media rights, and the PGA Tour’s “obnoxious avarice.”
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After playing nine holes of pro-am golf with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen on Wednesday, Koepka was asked about his use of an emoji on social media in response to the “obnoxious greed” remark.
“I said what I meant to say. I don’t think there’s anything else I can say. You can do whatever you want with it. He said, “I know what I meant by it, but it’s up to you.”
“Do you agree with him on the media rights subject?” was a follow-up question. “Look, man, I said what I said,” Koepka responded. So you’re on your own from there.”
Koepka has declared his support for the PGA Tour before, and he did it again on Wednesday.
“It’s been quite evident for a long time now that I’m sticking on the PGA Tour.” I’m overjoyed. They, in my opinion, do things correctly. “These are the people I’d like to do business with,” he remarked. “I’m delighted to be here. And I don’t really discuss it with a lot of other players.”
Rahm, who has never won the Phoenix Open but has never finished lower than 16th in six visits, has known Mickelson for a long time. They were both golfers at Arizona State and are two of the Open’s most popular spectators.
“I strive to avoid those situations.” When asked about Mickelson’s remarks, Rahm stated, “I’m here to play golf and that’s about it.” “Phil has been on the Tour for a long time, and I’m not here to pass judgment on anyone, am I?” Phil articulated exactly what he wanted to say. That is all there is to it.
“He’s still one of my best friends.” I’m not sure why he said what he said or how he said it, but all I can say is that as a friend, I support him, even if I don’t agree with everything he said.”
Rahm, who turned 27 in November, is the 44th player on the PGA Tour to earn more over $30 million in on-course earnings.
“I’m a 27-year-old woman. I consider myself fortunate to be where I am in life.”
