Usually the first to stand up in the face of trouble, Phil Mickelson has withdrawn himself from the media ahead of the Masters Tournament. Few can read between the lines of his decision. Among the most outspoken players in the sport, why would the veteran golfer step aside from answering their burning questions? Like many others, Paige Spiranac was left surprised by Mickelson’s absence, despite being in his bad books.
Paige Spiranac shocked at Phil Mickelson’s walkout
The 52-year-old golfer has a great history at the prestigious tournament. He has won the Masters title three times, with his last victory at Augusta National coming in 2010.
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But despite this edition marking his 30th Masters appearance, Mickelson will be scornfully looked at after his controversial move to the LIV Golf Series. The six-time major championship winner created an uproar in the golf community last year when he decided to switch to the rebel league, which left a foul taste on the PGA Tour.
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Unsurprisingly, it cost Mickelson his lifetime PGA Tour membership, alongside a host of fans on the Tour. But on his return to Augusta National after two years, ‘Lefty’ decided to shy away from the presser, which left Spiranac questioning.
“I think that it’s interesting that Phil Mickelson declined to do a presser. I feel like that was actually a really great opportunity for him to be Phil and answer questions that, you know, people have been dying to know,” she said on the latest episode of her podcast.
Normally never afraid to speak his mind, Mickelson’s decision to not appear for the presser was unlike him, Spiranac felt. “And he’s usually not one to run away from any type of confrontation. And so I’m really surprised that he didn’t do a presser.”
Paige Spiranac’s feud with Phil Mickelson
Despite her genuine words, the ex-golfer doesn’t feature in the good books of Mickelson. The feud was revealed last month when the two had a difference of opinion regarding the dress code at a PGA Tour event.
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Mickelson, now plying his trade at LIV Golf, was critical and showed his displeasure on Twitter. But Spiranac rushed to the defense and mocked the veteran golfer, while also claiming that she was blocked by him.
Do you think Mickelson should have held a press conference before the Masters began? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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