AR
By Matt Smith
Amid the launch of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, Phil Mickelson broke his four-month silence as he vowed to pick up his clubs once again having stepped away from the game in recent times.
The former world No. 1 was thrust into the limelight over his misguided comments and his attempt to take the PGA to task and leverage better conditions and money for players.
[parone_video_player campaign=”237″ defaultlang=”en” feed=”51-all-videos”/]
He was forced to skip his PGA Championship title defence last month, but was defiant in his stance.
“It was made clear to me that I was allowed to play at Southern Hills. I was never banned. I chose not to play as I was not in a position to compete and I have not practised. I went skiing with the family and now I feel ready to play once again.”
Mickelson refused to deny that he has been banned by the PGA Tour on the eve of the inaugural $25m LIV Golf event.
The six-time major winner has conceded he made “reckless” comments ahead of his self-imposed exile.
“I’m learning lessons,” said the PGA lifetime member. “I would be speaking on a PGA Tour matter publicly, which I choose not to do at this time.”
As the players faced the media, another former world No. 1 Lee Westwood added: “I see no reason why they cannot co-exist. Competition can only be a good thing.
“As independent contractors, we can play wherever we want.”
Ian Poulter, the long-time Ryder Cup hero, concurred: “I don’t think this should be seen as controversial. I am trying to provide for my family. That is my job at the end of the day. LIV is giving us this magnificent opportunity.”
Back to Mickelson, the 51-year-old American did not divulge his pay cheque for appearing at Centurion Club this week. “Contract agreements should remain private,” he said.
In a dramatic turn of events, the USGA, the governing body of golf in the United States, has stepped back from backing the PGA in its fight to ban players on their books who attend the LIV event.
The PGA had threatened to ban players if they insisted on competing in the money-spinning event, which has $25 million in prize money on the table this week.
But it seems their bluff has been called, with stellar names such as Dustin Johnson and Mickelson standing their ground and insisting they have every right to be present.
DJ on Wednesday resigned from the PGA and was present at a glitzy draft event on Wednesday night in London alongside an ever-growing list of who’s who in golfing circles.
You might also like:
Captains announced for LIV Golf Series
Big Phil confirms LIV Golf participation
Analyzing the 42 players who have signed up for LIV Golf
Your top players to watch at LIV Golf Invitational
DJ to headline LIV Golf Invitational
Rory McIlroy says LIV Golf players should not be punished harshly
PGA players defend jump to LIV Golf Invitational
Looking back at the Dubai Golf trophy with captains and players
Bland to play LIV Golf, even if it means ban
Rickie Fowler considers LIV Golf options
Shiv Kapur hails Asian Tour opportunities thanks to LIV Golf and Saudi Golf
The Gulf Club: The latest golf news from around the UAE
Meet Malak, the first Arab to play at US Women’s Open
In the mix: Olivia Jackson
Impossible pin position causes havoc at high school event
