Phil Mickelson: ‘For the First Time in My 30 Years There’s Some Leverage. I Don’t Know Where We’re Headed…’

Phil Mickelson is probably one of the biggest names in the sport of golf. Nicknamed as the Lefty, he is a six-time major championship winner. The tour veteran, who is arguably the most exceptional player of the game, is part of the field in the 2022 Saudi International.

Moreover, the World Golf Hall of Fame member recently spoke to the media after his first round at the 2022 Saudi International. Notably, he spoke about the new opportunities arising in golf.

Phil Mickelson opens up…

The 2022 Saudi International is probably one of the most controversial events ever. The PGA Tour, as well as the DP World Tour, had earlier restricted the players from playing in the event. However, they later allowed them to compete with the condition that they will play at Pebble Beach for the next three years. Among others, Mickelson is one of the big names to be playing at the event.

Watch this story: How old was Phil Mickelson when he won his first major championship?

Phil Mickelson spoke to the media after his first round at the 2022 Saudi International. During the media conference, one of the questions he was asked was: There’s a lot of buzz this week; is the sport itself the true nature, the competition, something to lose, to gain?

To that, he replied, “You know, there’s a lot of complexities that are working themselves out right now in the sport of golf. Because of some opportunities that create leverage for the players, we have a chance to get in a more equitable position with other major sports.”

He added, “We’re so far behind because we don’t have player representation like the players association and the collective bargaining and all those things, and we have such differing views, and for the first time in my 30 years there’s some leverage. I don’t know where we’re headed, to answer your question. I don’t know, because there’s so many different parts that need to be addressed.” 

Phil also said, “I think in the end, all the things are going to be very positive, but there’s a lot going on, which is a good thing.”

Phil’s first-round summary

Lefty carded the first round of 67, a three-under-par. The round did not include a single bogey and saw the American card three birdies. Phil had a decent start to his front nine with a birdie on the second hole. He made another birdie on the fifth hole and the last birdie of his first round on the 10th hole. The rest were all pars.

Read more: Phil Mickelson Recently Had the Wittiest Response to a Tricky Tiger Woods Question From a Reporter

What do you make of Phil’s comments?