CALIFORNIA’S PACIFIC PALISADES – Justin Thomas hadn’t seen Phil Mickelson’s scathing critique of the PGA Tour and his flirtation with the proposed Saudi Golf League, which appeared on the Fire Pit Collective earlier Thursday, but when informed the gist of Mickelson’s sentiment, Thomas remarked, “Shocking, never would have guessed.”
Mickelson was forthright in his criticism of the Tour’s leadership and public airing of his issues in the most precise and descriptive manner possible.
“It appears to be a bit of a rather egotistical statement.” “I don’t know, he’s done a lot of fantastic things for the PGA Tour, and he’s a key reason it’s where it is,” Thomas said. “But him and others who are that adamant about it, if they’re that enthusiastic, go ahead.” “I don’t think anyone is going to stop them.”
Mickelson has been the most vocal critic of the PGA Tour’s commercial practices, but he isn’t the only one considering leaving. When asked if he thought players should make up their minds and choose a side — the PGA Tour or one of the breakaway leagues – Thomas was adamant: He stated, “I’m totally past that.” “I’ve heard a lot of discussion about a lot of guys that seem to be done with everything, but they keep sticking around, so clearly they aren’t.”
Despite reports that as many as 20 players are willing to sign on the dotted line in exchange for huge pay days from the Saudis, no one has come forward to do so. Thomas isn’t the only athlete that is fed up with the gossip. Rory McIlroy said the same thing on Wednesday, as did Collin Morikawa following a 4-under 67 in the first round on Thursday.
“You know, I think we’re just more sick of what I mentioned earlier, which is that we just want something spoken.” We have no idea what’s going on. We’re all just speculating and guessing about when this will happen, when that will happen, and when that will happen. “Everything is uncertain,” Morikawa added. “I believe that’s what we’ve had enough of. It’s frustrating to be in the dark about things, and it’s simply an uncertainty, so why keep talking about it until something is said?”