Phil Mickelson apologises for ‘reckless’ comments about PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia

Six-time major winner says he will take time away from the game as he loses major, long-time sponsor

Phil Mickelson tees off the 14th hole during day three of the PIF Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club on February 05, 2022 in Al Murooj, Saudi Arabia. Getty

Phil Mickelson says he “sincerely regrets” the recently published comments regarding the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia, adding he will take time away from the game to “work on becoming the man I want to be".

The six-time major champion, 51, issued a lengthy apology on social media on Tuesday after excerpts released from an coming book by author Alun Shipnuck in which Mickelson made disparaging comments about the kingdom.

The American, one of the most recognisable names in golf, told Shipnuck he was using the proposed Saudi-backed Super Golf League in part as leverage against the PGA Tour.

On Tuesday, Mickelson said in a statement: "I used words I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions.

"It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I'm beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this."

Mickelson claimed the comments were off-record and shared out of context, and that his actions "have always been with the best interest of golf".

After the publication of his conversation with Shipnuck, a number of golf’s leading names were fierce in their criticism of Mickelson, including four-time major champion Rory McIlroy and world No 3 Justin Thomas.

Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, thought to be two of the most prominent players enticed by the new league, then reaffirmed their commitment to the PGA Tour.

"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public," Mickelson said. "My intent was never to hurt anyone and I'm so sorry to the people I have negatively impacted.

"This has always been about supporting the players and the game and I appreciate all the people who have given me the benefit of the doubt."

On Tuesday, Shipnuck responded directly to Mickelson’s statement by tweeting: “The 'off the record' piece of this is completely false and I'll have more to say on that shortly.”

Global audit and tax advisory service KPMG, a long-time sponsor of Mickelson, said they and the three-time Masters champion "have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately. We wish him the best."

Regarding his sponsors and business partners, Mickelson said: "I have given all of them the option to pause or end the relationship as I understand it might be necessary given the current circumstances."

Still, Mickelson described his experience with Liv Golf Investments, the Saudi-backed company understood to be behind the Super Golf League, as "very positive".

"I apologise for anything I said that was taken out of context. The specific people I have worked with are visionaries and have only been supportive," he said.

He said also that the group “share my drive to make the game better”.

Still, Mickelson remained staunch in his belief that the sport requires reform in how it is run, saying: "Golf desperately needs change, and real change is always preceded by disruption.

"I've always known that criticism would come with exploring anything new. I still chose to put myself at the forefront of this to inspire change, taking the hits publicly to do the work behind the scenes."

Last year, Mickelson triumphed at the PGA Championship to become, at age 50, the oldest major winner in history. However, the latest episode in an often colourful career threatens to tarnish his standing in the game.

"I have experienced many successful and rewarding moments that I will always cherish, but I've often failed myself and others too," Mickelson wrote on Tuesday.

"The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level. I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritise the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be."

epa03796060 US golfer Phil Mickelson celebrates a birdie on 18th green during the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield golf course in Gullane, Scotland, Britain on 20 July 2013. EPA/KERIM OKTEN *** Local Caption *** 03796060.jpg

There was disappointment for Britain's Lee Westwood who was the overnight leader, but came up short yet again. He has now gone 62 major appearances without a win. Gerry Penny / EPA

Matthew Fitzpatrick, of England, lines up a putt on the second hole. The teenager won the silver medal at the championship after finishing as the leading amateur. Andrew Redington / Getty Images

Ian Poulter, of England, bites his putter after missing a birdie putt on the first green. Poulter had a brilliant final round, but it was not enough for him to win. Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Ryan Moore, of the United States, tees off on the fourth hole during the final round of the 142nd British Open. The final day proved manic as the leadership changed hands several times. Andrew Redington / Getty Images

Brandt Snedeker, of the United States, tees off on the third hole. Rob Carr / Getty Images

Fans gather around the first tee as US golfer Tiger Woods plays his shot during the fourth and final round of the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield. Adrian Dennis / AFP

Woods, though, had a terrible final round after placing second before Sunday. The world No 1 played poor shots in the first few holes putting him out of contention for the Claret Jug. Glyn Kirk / AFP

Mickelson, who has had many a heartbreak at majors - especially at his native US Open - broke down after clinching what was his first British Open title. Jon Super / AP Photo

The Australian Scott, who capitulated in last year's championship, played as well as he could but it wasn't enough. Scott Heppell / AP Photo

Woods, though, managed to catch up with Steve Williams, his former caddie who now works with Adam Scott. Matt Dunham / AP Photo

The promising Shingo Katayama, of Japan, plays off the first tee. Katayama is expected to grow from his experience at Muirfield, according to several observers. Scott Heppell / AP Photo

The 43 year old won his fifth major title. Matt Dunham / AP Photo

Hideki Matsuyama, another Japanese, played some excellent golf to finish seventh. Toby Melville / Reuters

Scott had to hit out of a bunker on the first hole. He eventually finished fourth. Brian Snyder / Reuters

Here, Poulter hits out of a bunker on the 15th hole. Toby Melville / Reuters