For Phil Mickelson, his comments regarding the Saudi golf league have certainly backfired. Even though the PGA Tour icon has apologized for his words, the topic is long from buried. Considering all the comments made, it does seem like the damage is already done.

Though there was a flurry of opinions shared on the internet, most seem convinced that Mickelson has said something he never should have. Not only has this damaged relations, but Mickelson is also losing his brand deals.

Having said that, Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch had an interesting take on Mickelson’s situation.

Eamon Lynch has a Godfather reference for Phil Mickelson

During a Golf Today segment, Lynch and Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner started out by speaking of the Saudi league. While Mickelson continues to stick around, players like Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson have already sided with the PGA Tour.

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As per Lynch, the answer to their decision might be age-related. Because eventually, someone like Johnson or DeChambeau would have ended up being the youngest on that Golf Super League. Youngest, and probably the most relevant as well.

Eventually, Lynch circled it back to Mickelson’s side. “Whatever the goal or ambition that Phil and his benefactors in the Super Golf League had in mind, the reality is going to be something quite different”.

In the end, Lynch tied it all together with his perfect (and unexpected) reference. “He finds himself in a position now where this is what happens when you think you are Michael Corleone, but you act like Fredo.” 

And as per the co-host, that’s exactly where Mickelson has ended up.

Is Mickelson really Fredo?

Now, Lynch is referring to the forever iconic The Godfather. In the book or movie, Michael is Don Corleone’s youngest and favorite son – who is chosen to take over after Don’s death. Fredo, the second brother, is the weak link always expected to slip up.

Lynch’s comparison here is somewhat self-explanatory. Though Mickelson felt he was Michael, his actions have made him look like Fredo.

Fans also offered up their own take on the matter. Many are still upset over Mickelson’s words but did not fail to appreciate the reference. One fan even wondered if the Saudi league was Don Corleone in this narrative. Some were less impressed and deemed the analogy as ‘dumb‘.

Of course, Mickelson’s career and his reputation are different matters being discussed. The 51-year-old last played the Farmers Insurance Open, where he missed the cut. Furthermore, his deals with brands like KPMG and Heineken are already canceled.

Ultimately, all one can do is wait, hoping to find a proper conclusion to the Saudi league-Mickelson saga.

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