Phil Mickelson is an American golfer who has served as an inspiration to many in the fraternity of golf. Not just his peers, but also future generations of golfers look up to him. He won a major at the age of 50; can you believe that? But what had upset him about Rory McIlroy back in 2011?

Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood met with controversy over a particular decision of theirs in 2011. Phil Mickelson was among those who criticized their decision to skip the Players Championship.

What upset Phil Mickelson?

While the weather controversy started to hover around Lee Westwood and Rory McIlory, Phil had some insights for the latter. Phil Mickelson is known for keeping his opinions about others to himself. But he thoroughly believed that Rory had made a wrong decision. According to the Daily Mail UK, Phil Mickelson said, “Everyone has got their own personal deal, but I just disagree with their thought process on this.”

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Even after showing indifference regarding their absence, it was evident that he expected their presence at the Players Championship. Speaking to American television station Golf Channel about Rory McIlroy, Mickelson said, “As for Rory, we saw at the Masters that his bad shot is a hook under pressure, and this is the sort of tournament and course he should be playing to learn how to combat it.”

Even when Phil was upset with Rory McIlroy, he couldn’t help but give him a piece of advice. Mickelson’s sportsmanship has always been his unique factor, as evidenced by his reaction to this controversial incident.

Response of Phil Mickelson to Rory McIlroy over LIV Golf controversy

The rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continues to be in the headlines in the golf fraternity. Players like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been vocal about their complete disregard for players hopping from the PGA Tour to the LIV Golf. Earlier this year, Rory McIlroy had publicly expressed his displeasure with Mickelson’s participation in the LIV golf.

Phil had joined the course after a long break of about a year, and McIlroy had a mixed reaction to it. He was happy to see Mickelson back on the course. But his disappointment at Mickelson’s switch to LIV golf was not neutralized by that. According to Express UK, Rory McIlroy said, “He’s a great addition to the field this week, so am I disappointed that he’s taken the route that he’s taken… I am, but I still respect him tremendously.”

As the tug-of-war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is expected to continue, where do you stand regarding this issue? Let us know in the comments.

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