USA Today via Reuters
Aug 27, 2021; Owings Mills, Maryland, USA; Phil Mickelson looks on from the first hole during the second round of the BMW Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 27, 2021; Owings Mills, Maryland, USA; Phil Mickelson looks on from the first hole during the second round of the BMW Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Mickelson is on a sabbatical from competitive golf. Since February, the six-time major championship winner has not played after publicly apologizing for his comments on the Saudi Golf League and the PGA Tour. However, the 51-year-old is in the spotlight for the recent developments in the LIV Golf International series.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The lefty has asked the PGA Tour for a release to play the opening event of the Saudi-backed golf league at Centurion Club. The opening event of the eight tournament schedule will take place in June. According to PGA Tour precedent, the commissioner, Jay Monahan, is likely to allow professionals to play the kick-off event.
However, he will not let players play any other events because five events of the rival tour are taking place in North America. As a result, they will clash with the PGA Tour’s schedule later in the year.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Phil Mickelson acknowledges the crowd after a putt on the fourth green during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports/REUTERS
According to a report by the Telegraph, Mickelson has signed an agreement to play all the eight events on the rival tour. As a result, he is jeopardizing his career on the PGA Tour. Furthermore, reports also suggest he has received a sum of $30 million up-front and has to either play all the events or pay the amount back, perhaps with some penalty.
Read more: Author Reveals What Forced Tiger Woods to Consider Phil Mickelson as a ‘Threat’
If the report holds, the lefty can be involved in a legal battle with the PGA Tour if they start to suspend players from playing. However, only time will tell whether all the speculations regarding him playing all events are confirmed.
The golf world has mixed reactions to Phil Mickelson’s update
As soon as the news broke out, golf Twitter turned into a frenzy. Fans from all parts of the world started to react to a recent report by the Telegraph. Moreover, most of the fans seem to back Phil if the information is accurate. At the same time, other fans did not agree with him playing all the eight events on the LIV Golf Investment Series. Not to forget, Mickelson’s involvement in the rival tour is leverage against the PGA Tour.
After Shipnuck leaked off the record comments that cost him big $$ can't blame him if he plays a few.
— joan (@J58golf) April 29, 2022
He can do what he wants. You can disagree all you want but Kevin Na was wearing a golf Saudi shirt. If the PGA tour wants him off…then that is the consequence. YOu can't force Phil to not play. 25 mill prize pools will change a lot of golfers' minds..especially aging ones.
— tballgame9 (@tballgame09) April 29, 2022
He's a non-factor on the PGA tour. His absence will allow some of the young stars an opportunity to shine.
— Scott Underhill (@scottunderhill) April 29, 2022
And he has no intention of playing in the PGA either. He just wants the Tour to let him play in the Saudi event, simple blackmail. Always a fan, but this is just sad.
— Philip Boyle (@PhilipBoyle3) April 29, 2022
Good for Phil.. Been a huge fan since his college days at ASU. This is good for golf, competition is always a good thing.
— Donna O (@donnaoleske) April 29, 2022
Why concerns? He's an independent contractor right?
— Patrick Cunningham (@Patrick48720140) April 30, 2022
Phil is just trying to cover his gambling addiction costs
— AllenDavis (@paulallend) April 30, 2022
Why do they care? Hes a senior tour player.
— Vajamala (@vajamala) April 30, 2022
Who cares, let him play
— DudeDiligence (@BigMacStax) April 29, 2022
Good for @PhilMickelson , he’s done a lot for the pga tour, let him play where he wants to play, I’m sure others will follow him
— George Blackshaw (@Golfdawgydew) April 29, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When did Phil Mickelson last play on the PGA Tour?
The 2021 PGA Championship winner last played on the Tour in January. Phil made his appearance at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. However, the professional did not have a good finish at the event. He ended the event with an overall score of three over par. As a result, Mickelson could not make the cut and did not proceed onto the weekend.
The 51-year-old carded rounds of four-over-par, 76, and one-under-par, 71 in the first and second rounds, respectively. However, the Tour veteran has registered for the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about the latest update?
Watch This Story: John Daly reveals his dream to play in the NFL for the Colts
