Phil Mickelson, 51, made his choice.
The golf icon is leaving the PGA Tour to join the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour.
“I fully understand and respect that some people don’t buy into my decision.”he is writing.
Phil “Lefty” Mickelson is one of the best and most popular golfers of the modern era. The American star has belonged to the global elite for 20 years, won six majors and raised nearly $100 million in net award money.
Now he wants more.
The 51-year-old decided to leave the PGA Tour and instead join the new Saudi-backed and money-hungry LIV golf tour, but it has also come under heavy criticism.
He himself confirms this in a statement.
“I am very happy to start collaborating with LIV Golf and I appreciate everyone who participated. My plan is to continue playing all disciplines. I fully understand and respect that some are not buying into my decision and have strong opinions on this matter”he is writing.
Sawed Saudi
Mickelson has been away from competitive golf for four months after making high-profile statements about Saudi Arabia.
– We know that they (the Saudis) killed (journalist Jamal) Khashoggi and that they have a terrible history in the field of human rights. They execute people there because they are gay. When I know all this, why should I think about it? Mickelson said it’s a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to change the way the PGA Tour operates, which has drawn protests from both the Saudi and US sides.
“new part”
Now he has – after a long thought – the chosen side.
“First of all, I would like to apologize again for my previous statements and to everyone I offended. I have made mistakes in my career with things I have done and said. It has been helpful for me to take some time to reflect”Writes and continues:
“Now I’m ready to go back to the sport I love, but after 32 years it’s time to start a new chapter and make a new start. It’s a very exciting feeling for me and for my career, but also for the sport itself and for my teammates. I like the progressive format and I think it will be great for the fans”Michelson writes.
At the time of writing, it is not known how much money Phil Mickelson Get to join LIV Golf, but it only takes hundreds of millions of crowns to participate.
Earlier this week, former world class designer Dustin Johnson joined the Saudi tour. He is said to have received the equivalent of 1.2 billion Swedish kronor for the problem.
The LIV Tour now begins on Thursday with the first competition in London.