Phil Mickelson lashes out at reporter over LIV issue at open press conference
The splits caused by the LIV Golf Invitational Series remain a hot topic at St. Andrews this week, or at least that seems to be the case for Phil Mickelson. "Lefty" is among the rebels who turned their backs on the PGA Tour to join the new Saudi-funded competition, but can still compete in the Open.
Having won at Muirfield in 2013, Mickelson was usually a guest at the Champions Dinner and other events for credentialed alumni. However, fans couldn't help but notice he was absent from Tuesday's party, which was attended by the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and last year's winner, Collin Morikawa.
"The R&A contacted me a few weeks ago and said, 'Look, we don't think it's a good idea for you to go, but if you want to, you can,' Mickelson said explaining the thought process that led him to compete in Fife."I just didn't want to make a fuss about it, so I said 'okay'. We both agreed that it would be better if I didn't."
However, "Lefty" strongly denied that he was in any way sad about the situation in golf, having seen his stock plummet since his move to the LIV Golf Series: "No, no. Not at all. I think I couldn't "I can't be more excited and ecstatic from where I am. I love events. I have golf in my life and competitive golf in my life on a scale that is fun, exciting, different and allows me to play and compete, but still do the things outside that I want to do."< /p>
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The Open LIVE: Tiger Woods' horror show as Phil Mickelson goes after the reporter on LIV Golf
He seemed more agitated when asked about missing the Champions Dinner: "Never mind, man. Never mind. You've asked the same question three times. I don't know. I don't know what to tell you. I couldn't be happier."
There's something about someone who insists they couldn't be happier that makes it even harder to believe. Mickelson has become the de facto face of the LIV Golf rebellion, and it is understood he was paid somewhere in the region of $200m (£160m) to leave the PGA and DP World Tours in favor of the separatist league.
He went on to describe the move as "the right move for me" and confirmed he would play the next LIV event in Bedminster later this month. "I couldn't be happier. I think it's been really good. I can't wait to get to New Jersey and play another event there," added the six-time major champion.
>NOT TO MISS
Patrick Reed risks angering rivals as rebel wears three LIV Golf logos at Open
'He's got no idea' Rory McIlroy stunned at Open after landing unlikely tee shot
The Open 2022: why Phil Mickelson and other LIV golfers are allowed to play at St Andrews
The splits caused by the LIV Golf Invitational Series remain a hot topic at St. Andrews this week, or at least that seems to be the case for Phil Mickelson. "Lefty" is among the rebels who turned their backs on the PGA Tour to join the new Saudi-funded competition, but can still compete in the Open.
Having won at Muirfield in 2013, Mickelson was usually a guest at the Champions Dinner and other events for credentialed alumni. However, fans couldn't help but notice he was absent from Tuesday's party, which was attended by the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and last year's winner, Collin Morikawa.
"The R&A contacted me a few weeks ago and said, 'Look, we don't think it's a good idea for you to go, but if you want to, you can,' Mickelson said explaining the thought process that led him to compete in Fife."I just didn't want to make a fuss about it, so I said 'okay'. We both agreed that it would be better if I didn't."
However, "Lefty" strongly denied that he was in any way sad about the situation in golf, having seen his stock plummet since his move to the LIV Golf Series: "No, no. Not at all. I think I couldn't "I can't be more excited and ecstatic from where I am. I love events. I have golf in my life and competitive golf in my life on a scale that is fun, exciting, different and allows me to play and compete, but still do the things outside that I want to do."< /p>
LEARN MORE
The Open LIVE: Tiger Woods' horror show as Phil Mickelson goes after the reporter on LIV Golf
He seemed more agitated when asked about missing the Champions Dinner: "Never mind, man. Never mind. You've asked the same question three times. I don't know. I don't know what to tell you. I couldn't be happier."
There's something about someone who insists they couldn't be happier that makes it even harder to believe. Mickelson has become the de facto face of the LIV Golf rebellion, and it is understood he was paid somewhere in the region of $200m (£160m) to leave the PGA and DP World Tours in favor of the separatist league.
He went on to describe the move as "the right move for me" and confirmed he would play the next LIV event in Bedminster later this month. "I couldn't be happier. I think it's been really good. I can't wait to get to New Jersey and play another event there," added the six-time major champion.
>NOT TO MISS
Patrick Reed risks angering rivals as rebel wears three LIV Golf logos at Open
'He's got no idea' Rory McIlroy stunned at Open after landing unlikely tee shot
The Open 2022: why Phil Mickelson and other LIV golfers are allowed to play at St Andrews
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