In a 530-word letter released Tuesday, Phil Mickelson apologized for his comments about the PGA Tour and the Super Golf League, bemoaned the usage of “off the record statements,” and disclosed he needs “time apart” from professional golf.
“Although it may not appear so now given my recent comments,” the statement said, “my actions throughout this process have always been in the best interests of golf, my peers, sponsors, and fans.” “I used words that I deeply regret since they did not accurately reflect my true sentiments or intentions.” It was rash, I insulted people, and I apologize profusely for the language I used. I’m devastated, and I’m going to make every attempt to analyze and learn from this.”
Until a piece on the Fire Pit Collective this week that included criticism of the Saudi Arabians, who are sponsoring the super league through LIV Golf, and the Tour, Mickelson was at the heart of the super league conversation.”
“To get engaged with [the Saudis] is a scary motherf—-er,” Mickelson stated on the website. “We know they assassinated [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a dismal human rights record. People are executed for being gay in that country. Why would I ever consider it knowing all of this? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change the way the PGA Tour works. Because we, the players, had no recourse, they were able to get away with manipulative, coercive, and strong-arm techniques. Even if [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] appears to be a good guy, unless you have leverage, he will not do what is right. And it is thanks to Saudi money that we now have that leverage. I’m not sure I want [the SGL] to thrive, but the fact that it exists allows us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.”
In his comments, Mickelson appeared to double down on his criticism of the Tour and Monahan.
“Golf is in desperate need of change, and true change is always accompanied by disruption. “I’ve always expected criticism when I try anything new,” he explained. “I opted to be in the forefront of this to encourage change, taking the heat publicly while working behind the scenes.”
Like other stars like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, he didn’t appear to separate himself from LIV Golf or the Super League.
“I’ve had a great time working with LIV Golf Investments. “I apologize for anything I said that was misconstrued,” he stated. “The folks with whom I’ve worked are visionaries who have only been supportive.” More significantly, they are ardent golf fans who share my desire to improve the game. They have a clear strategy in place to provide an updated and good experience for everyone involved, including players, sponsors, broadcasters, and fans.”
Mickelson hasn’t competed on the PGA Tour since missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open last month, and he indicated in his statement that he intends to retire.
“I have had many wonderful and satisfying moments that I will always treasure,” Mickelson said, “but I have also frequently failed myself and others.” “I’ve been feeling the pressure and stress for the past ten years, and it’s been slowly impacting me at a deeper level.” I’m well aware that I haven’t been my best, and I really need some time away to focus on the people I care about most and concentrate on becoming the guy I want to be.”
Here’s the rest of his statement:
Despite the fact that my recent comments make it appear otherwise, my actions throughout this process have always been in the best interests of golf, my peers, sponsors, and fans. There’s the issue of off-the-record remarks being posted out of context and without my permission, but the bigger issue is that I used words that I deeply regret and that do not reflect my true thoughts or intentions. It was rash, I insulted people, and I apologize profusely for the language I used. I’m devastated and will make every attempt to reflect and learn from this experience.
Golf is in desperate need of change, and true transformation is always accompanied by disruption. I’ve always known that when you try something new, you’re bound to get some criticism. I still opted to be in the vanguard of this in order to inspire change, taking the flak in public in order to do the behind-the-scenes work.
LIV Golf Investments has been a wonderful experience for me. I apologise for anything I said that was misconstrued. People with whom I’ve worked are visionaries who have only been supportive. More significantly, they are ardent golf fans who share my desire to improve the game. They have a clear strategy in place to ensure that everyone, including players, sponsors, networks, and fans, has an up-to-date and good experience.
I’ve worked with some wonderful people, and these relationships are worth far more to me than a contract. Many have influenced me greatly, and I consider them all to be lifelong friends. I’d never want to jeopardize them or their business in any way, so I’ve offered them everyone the option to stop or terminate the relationship if they feel it’s necessary given the current circumstances. I believe in these individuals and businesses, and I will always be there for them, contract or no contract.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, and many of them have been publicized. My intention was never to harm anyone, and I sincerely apologize to those who have been harmed as a result of my actions. It’s always been about backing up the players and the game, and I’m grateful to everyone who has given me the benefit of the doubt.
Despite my opinion that certain improvements have already occurred in the wider conversation, I am aware that I must take responsibility. I’ve lived a very public life for the past 31 years, and I’ve tried to live up to my own aspirations, be the role model that my fans deserve, and be someone who inspires others. I’ve worked hard to compete at the top level, to be accessible to the media, to represent my sponsors with integrity, to engage with volunteers, and to sign every signature for my adoring fans. I’ve had many wonderful and satisfying experiences that I’ll always remember, but I’ve also failed myself and others countless times. I’ve been feeling the pressure and tension for the past ten years, and it’s been steadily impacting me on a deeper level. I’m well aware that I haven’t been my best, and I really need some time away to focus on the people I care about most and concentrate on becoming the guy I want to be.
