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Phil Mickelson met on Wednesday morning London time for the first time since his self-imposed exile of almost four months ahead of this week’s Saudi-backed LIV Golf tournament and it was a most awkward affair.
The cricket focused on the Saudi government’s 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the perceived role Mickelson and the other players play in “sports washing.”
During the question-and-answer session, Mickelson, who reportedly received $200 million for participating in the LIV golf series, repeatedly referred to not condoning human rights abuses and did his best to protect the LIV golf series as such represent something that can be good for the sport.
Two pieces of news that came out of the session were that Mickelson refused to acknowledge whether or not he was serving a ban from the PGA Tour, saying after a long pause, “I… I choose to.” not to speak publicly about PGA Tour problems at this time.”
Mickelson, also asked if he will be playing the US Open next week, said: “I’m going to play the US Open next week (and) I’m looking forward to it.”
He started his press conference with an apology.
“There are a lot of things that I regret and I’m sorry for the pain it’s caused a lot of people,” said a contrite Mickelson, referring to his explosive comments, which were published in February and in which he addressed himself extremely critical of the Saudis and the PGA Tour.
“I do not condone human rights violations at all. No one here does it… anywhere in the world. And I’m certainly aware of what happened to Jamal Khashoggi and I think it’s awful.
“I’ve always seen the good that the game of golf has done throughout history and I believe LIV Golf will do a lot of good for the game as well and I’m excited for this opportunity and that’s why I’m here too. ”
Here began an intense grilling from Mickelson, the six-time major champion.
He was asked by a reporter if he was concerned about being seen as a “sports laundry tool” and being seen as a “Saudi stooge” and “smearing” his heritage.
“I said earlier that I don’t condone human rights violations,” Mickelson said. “I don’t know how else I can be clearer. Again, I love this game of golf, I’ve seen how well it’s been done and I see an opportunity for LIV Golf to do a lot of good for the world and I’m excited to be a part of that opportunity.”
He was asked about his use of the word “leverage” when referring to the Saudi series’ use against the PGA Tour and the fact that he now “represents the very people you used to leverage”.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the PGA Tour, I’ve had a lot of incredible experiences, some great memories and I have a lot of strong opinions about what could and should be much better (with the Tour). ‘ Michaelson said. “One of the mistakes I’ve made is to say it publicly. So I’m going to make a real effort to continue those talks behind closed doors.”
He was asked, “What are you apologizing for _ telling the truth about the Saudis, or sorry for the shameless hypocrisy of taking their money anyway?”
“I understand that a lot of people have very strong opinions and a lot of people don’t agree with my decision, and I empathize with that,” Mickelson said. “But at this point this is an opportunity that gives me the opportunity to have the most balance in my life going forward and I think that will do a lot of good for the game.”
When asked if he thought the “good of the game” could “redress” the killing of Khashoggi, Mickelson said, “No one here condones human rights abuses and no one is trying to make things right.”
