Phil Mickelson, his reputation battered by his decision to play in the Saudi-backed LIV golf series, said Wednesday that he does not plan to follow Dustin Johnson and others in quitting the PGA Tour.
“I’ve gained a lot from the PGA Tour, and I’ve received a lot,” Mickelson told reporters on the eve of the LIV’s first event, which offers a total prize fund of $255 million, at the Centurion Club near London. “I’ve worked really hard to contribute and add value to the tour during my time there. I worked really hard to earn a lifetime exemption, and I don’t want to give that up and I don’t feel like I should have to.
“I don’t know what that means for a future. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I’ve earned that, and I don’t plan on just giving it up.”Mickelson, 51, is back in the sport after taking a break in the hubbub over his comments on the Saudis and the LIV Series. He refused to clear up the question of whether the PGA had suspended him. “I have a lot of strong opinions on things that should and could be a lot better,” Mickelson said. “One of the mistakes I’ve made is voicing those publicly.
“I don’t condone human rights violations at all,” Mickelson said. “Nobody here does, throughout the world. I’m certainly aware of what’s happened with Jamal Khashoggi, and I think it’s terrible. I’ve also seen the good that the game of golf has done throughout history, and I believe that LIV Golf is going to do a lot of good for the game as well. I’m excited about this opportunity, and that’s why I’m here.”Phil Mickelson says he won't resign from the PGA Tour.
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