LIV Golf

Phil Mickelson declined to comment on his standing with the PGA Tour while addressing the media Wednesday ahead of the inaugural LIV Golf event.

According to ESPN's Kevin Van Valkenburg, Mickelson said: "I choose not to speak publicly on PGA Tour issues at this time."

Mickelson is one of several PGA Tour players choosing to play for the Saudi golf league. Some of them, including Dustin Johnson, have announced their resignation from the PGA Tour.

The 51-year-old Mickelson did not make a public resignation, and he also declined to say whether he has been suspended or banned from the PGA Tour.

Mickelson last competed on the PGA Tour in late January, seemingly due in large part to controversial comments he made about Saudi Arabia.

In February, author Alan Shipnuck released an excerpt from his book Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar. In the excerpt, Mickelson discussed dealing with the Saudi officials who are financing LIV Golf:

"... They killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates."

Mickelson lost multiple sponsorships in the wake of those comments, missed many PGA Tour events and didn't play in the Masters or PGA Championship.

On Wednesday, Mickelson followed up on the comments:

"I don't condone human rights violations at all. 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."

Mickelson is undoubtedly the biggest star entered into LIV Golf's event at Centurion Club in London, which takes place this week.

Lefty is a 45-time winner on the PGA Tour and has six major titles, making him one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the sport.

He notably won the PGA Championship last year at the age of 50, making him the oldest major champion of all time.

The PGA Tour denied requests from several players to compete in the LIV Golf London event, which is why some have announced their resignations. Mickelson was among those who requested to play in London, but the PGA Tour's stance did not deter him.

Mickelson noted that he has a lifetime membership on the PGA Tour that he worked hard for and doesn't plan on giving it up by resigning.

Phil Mickelson said he won't resign from the PGA Tour like other golfers, including Dustin Johnson, have done as they prepare to play in the inaugural LIV Golf event this week in London.

Mickelson, a PGA Tour member since 1992 who's recorded 45 wins in the tour's events, told Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated that he's hopeful a decision will be made to allow for freedom of player movement.

"I have not resigned my membership," he said Monday. "I worked really hard to earn that lifetime membership. And I'm hopeful that I'll have the ability to play wherever I want, where it's the PGA Tour, LIV or wherever else I want."

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has maintained that any player who tees it up on the rival tour would be subject to a suspension and possible lifetime ban.

Greg Norman, a former PGA Tour star who is the CEO of LIV Golf, wrote in a February memo that the new league doesn't believe the PGA has legal standing to ban players, per Rex Hoggard of Golf Channel.

"In our view and in the eyes of the law, the PGA Tour's threats are utterly impermissible under competition and other laws," Norman wrote.

The major tournaments are separate entities from the tour, and Mickelson told Harig he's under the impression that he can compete in the four premier events despite going to LIV.

"I've had many conversations with the organizations that run the majors," he said. "And I do want to keep those conversations private. But I am looking forward to playing the U.S. Open and I'll be there. I'm under the understanding that I'm able to play."

While players have offered a variety of reasons for switching, including the team format and no-cut tournaments, the main allure is obvious: money.

Brentley Romine of Golf Channel reported Monday that Mickelson signed a contract Saturday worth $200 million. Each of the seven LIV tournaments will feature a $25 million prize pool ahead of a team championship event with $50 million in prize money.

The LIV Golf Invitational Series is funded by Saudi Arabia, which has led to questions about the country's history of human rights violations and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

"I certainly do not condone human rights violations. And addressing what happened to Jamal Khashoggi is awful," Mickelson said. "But I have seen the good that game of golf has done throughout history. And I really believe that LIV can be good for the game of golf as well."

What happens next is a mystery. The PGA Tour, which is hosting the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto opposite the first LIV tournament, may wait until that event in London gets underway to announce punishments for participating players.

From there, a court battle could ensue to determine whether golfers have the freedom to play on both tours.

It creates a drama-filled environment ahead of next week's U.S. Open, the season's third major.

Dustin Johnson confirmed Tuesday he's resigned from the PGA Tour in order to join LIV Golf, which is holding its inaugural event this week in London.

Johnson described the LIV series, which is financially backed by Saudi Arabia, as a "true test," and he'll wait to see how the PGA Tour handles players who compete in the rival competition.

"Obviously at this time it's hard to speak on what the consequences will be, but for right now, I've resigned my membership from the PGA Tour," the two-time major champion told reporters. "I'm going to play here for now, and that's the plan. What the consequences are going to be, I can't comment on how the tour is going to handle it."

An immediate test of the PGA Tour's power over traditional golf will come next week when the next major championship, the 2022 U.S. Open, takes place in Massachusetts.

The U.S. Open is run by the USGA, which doesn't have to enforce any bans put in place by the tour. In turn, Johnson expressed confidence he'll be able to play in the four major events along with the LIV Golf schedule.

"I can't answer for the majors, but hopefully they're going to allow us to play," Johnson said Tuesday. "Obviously, I'm exempt for the majors, so I plan on playing unless I hear otherwise."

If he's eligible for the majors, the biggest loss for Johnson and the other LIV golfers will be removal from consideration for the Ryder Cup.

The 37-year-old South Carolina native said the international event has "definitely meant a lot to me" and he's hopeful the decision is reversed before next year's tournament.

"Obviously, all things are subject to change," Johnson said. "Hopefully at some point it will change and I'll be able to participate. If it doesn't, well, it was another thing I really had to think long and hard about. Ultimately, I decided to come to this and play out here."

He'd also be ineligible for the Presidents Cup, which is next scheduled for September.

A 20-time winner on the PGA Tour, Johnson stated in February he was "fully committed" to the Tour despite interest from LIV Golf.

His decision to reverse course came amid a £100 million offer ($125 million) from LIV, per James Corrigan and Tom Morgan of the Telegraph.

Greg Norman, who won 20 times on the PGA Tour and now serves as the CEO of LIV Golf, told Kent Babb of the Washington Post it also offered Tiger Woods a deal that was "mind-blowingly enormous; we're talking about high nine digits," but he turned it down.

A commitment from Woods could have tipped the scales in favor of LIV, but getting a former top-ranked player in Johnson along with a legend like Phil Mickelson should help generate interest from both golfers and fans alike.

The biggest question for the long-term viability of LIV is likely whether fans take to the format—48 players split into 12 four-man teams. It's a stark variation from the typical solo nature of golf.

Johnson said Tuesday he's confident the new style is going to work.

"Ever since I was first introduced to this idea, I thought it was great for the game of golf," he said. "I was excited about a new format, a new kind of golf that I think is great for the game, is great for the fans, and I think it's going to be very exciting.”

While LIV makes its debut at London's Centurion Club, the PGA Tour is set to host the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto this weekend.

Greg Norman took aim at Rory McIlroy and Jack Nicklaus as the LIV Golf series prepares for its inaugural event.

The golf legend told the Washington Post's Kent Babb that McIlroy is among those who have been "brainwashed" to come out against the breakaway golf tour that's backed by Saudi Arabia.

Norman spoke about Nicklaus, who said he said he turned down a nine-figure offer from LIV Golf, in even harsher terms. Nicklaus also explained he had "zero interest in wanting to do something like that" in reference to LIV Golf.

"One hundred percent truth? Jack’s a hypocrite," Norman said. "When he came out with those comments, I’m thinking: Jack must have a short memory."

Norman contends Nicklaus was present for a LIV Golf presentation and wrote in an email that the project was "good for our game."

LIV has received steady criticism for its connection to the Saudi regime. The venture is funded by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

This is part of a larger trend in which repressive regimes around the world are widening their footprint in sports to improve their public image. The Public Investment Fund also purchased Newcastle United FC of the English Premier League in 2021.

Phil Mickelson summed up the general concerns about LIV when he told Fire Pit Collective's Alan Shipnuck that the Saudis were "scary motherf--kers" who "have a horrible record on human rights." Mickelson also referenced the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist whose death U.S. intelligence officials said was ordered by Saudi officials.

That Mickelson would nevertheless join with LIV Golf is for critics a sign of how willing some golfers are to put their personal finances ahead of principles.

Over time, participation in LIV Golf could grow to become more normalized with more of the sport's stars signing up. For now, the general condemnation toward the endeavor is unlikely to subside.

Phil Mickelson has signed with LIV Golf, the breakaway golf tour backed by Saudi Arabia.

pic.twitter.com/riT2ot0yvk

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 6, 2022

Mickelson noted he still intends to play in majors.

Brentley Romine of Golf Channel reported Mickelson's contract is worth in the range of $200 million.

Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post reported Mickelson will compete in LIV Golf's inaugural event in London, which begins Thursday. The details of his deal aren't yet known.

The 51-year-old is the biggest star to align himself with LIV Golf, a group that includes Dustin Johnson, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen and Kevin Na.

Monday's news was widely expected after Mickelson telegraphed his intentions during an interview with Fire Pit Collective's Alan Shipnuck.

The six-time major champion described the Saudi regime as "scary motherf--kers" who "have a horrible record on human rights." Still, he said the Saudi league was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates."

The comments drew widespread derision, including from Mickelson's peers. He issued a statement apologizing for the remarks:

A Statement from Phil Mickelson pic.twitter.com/2saaXIxhpu

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) February 22, 2022

Mickelson effectively became persona non grata on the PGA Tour. He hasn't competed since the Farmers Insurance Open in January, and ESPN's Mark Schlabach and Kevin Van Valkenburg reported that some question whether he'll ever be back on the tour.

Ahead of the Memorial Tournament last week, the PGA Tour issued a statement about LIV Golf.

"As communicated to our entire membership on May 10, PGA Tour members have not been authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League's London event, under PGA Tour Tournament Regulations," the tour said, per Schlabach. "Members who violate the Tournament Regulations are subject to disciplinary action."

Although Mickelson indicated his desire to compete in golf's four major tournaments, it's unclear whether signing with LIV Golf will jeopardize his—and others'—eligibility for those events.

The 2022 U.S. Open tees off June 16, and Mickelson is among those who have qualified for the event. Whether he plays could be the first big test of how well the PGA Tour can fight off the threat LIV Golf poses.

Star golfer Dustin Johnson was reportedly paid "around" $125 million to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf league, according to James Corrigan and Tom Morgan of the Telegraph (h/t Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post).

Johnson's defection from the PGA Tour to the controversial LIV Golf series caused one of his sponsors, the Royal Bank of Canada, to cut ties with him.

"As a result of the decisions made by professional golfers Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener, RBC is terminating its sponsorship agreement with both players," the company said in a statement. "We wish them well in their future endeavors."

A number of other prominent golfers, including McDowell, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Kevin Na, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel and Talor Gooch, will participate in London's LIV Golf Invitational Series, June 9-11.

The new league has reportedly been willing to throw major money around to entice former and current players.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus said earlier in May that he was offered $100 million to serve in an executive role, though he told reporters Tuesday he had "zero interest in wanting to do something like that. ... My allegiance has been to the PGA Tour."

Phil Mickelson, meanwhile, was one of the first golfers to align himself with the league, though he will not participate in London.

Mickelson's controversial comments in November to his biographer, Alan Shipnuck, about why he supported the Saudi-backed league became public in February:

They're scary motherf--kers to get involved with. We know they killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates. They've been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse. As nice a guy as [PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won't do what's right. And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I'm not sure I even want [the SGL] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.

Mickelson hasn't played a professional tournament since January.

Saudi Arabia's history of human rights violations and sportswashing has made LIV Golf a controversial endeavor. The PGA Tour, meanwhile, has fought back against the threat of talent defection by not granting a waiver to players for the London event and threatening to strip players of their membership if they join the breakaway league.

Johnson's defection was a major surprise, as he previously had announced he would remain with the PGA Tour.

"I am fully committed to the PGA Tour," he said in a February statement. "I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family."

On Tuesday, Johnson's agent, David Winkle, released a statement on behalf of the golfer, saying it was in "his and his family's best interest" to join LIV Golf and that Johnson "has never had any issue with the PGA Tour and is grateful for all it has given him, but in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up."

The LIV Golf Invitational Series released a statement Thursday following CEO Greg Norman's remarks on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

The killing of Jamal Khashoggi was reprehensible. Everyone agrees on that, including Greg, as he has said as such previously on many occasions. Greg also knows that golf is a force for good around the world and can help make inroads toward positive change. That is why he is so excited about LIV and that was the point he was making.

On Wednesday, Norman was in London to promote LIV Golf's first-ever event, a three-day tournament that will occur at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire, England beginning June 9.

A reporter asked Norman about the alleged complicity of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the 2018 murder of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

"From what I heard and what you guys reported, just take ownership of what it is," Norman said in response.

"Take ownership no matter what it is. Look, we've all made mistakes, and you just want to learn from those mistakes and how you can correct them going forward."

In an exclusive with Tom Morgan of the Telegraph, Hatice Cengiz, who was engaged to Khashoggi, responded to Norman characterizing the murder a "mistake":

It is so hurtful when Jamal’s brutal killing is brushed off as a 'mistake' and that we should just move on. Would you say that if it was your loved one? How can we go forward when those who ordered the murder are still unpunished, and continue to try to buy back their legitimacy? We should not fall for their wealth and lies, and lose our morals and common humanity. We should all be insisting on the truth and justice; only then can we look forward with hope and dignity.

LIV Golf has received much criticism due to its alliance with Saudi Arabia, a country with significant reported human rights violations, per Amnesty International, including the murder of Khashoggi.

The BBC reported in Feb. 2021 that a United States intelligence report stated that "Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman approved an operation in Istanbul to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi," who was a critic of the Saudi government and worked as a Washington Post columnist. 

The crown prince has denied any role in the murder. Saudi Arabia called the report "negative, false and unacceptable."

LIV Golf Investments plans to hold an eight-event series from June to October.

On Tuesday, LIV Golf announced a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund that "will be used to fund ongoing expansion and prize purses for the new LIV Golf schedule," per Owen Poindexter of Front Office Sports.

The Saudi Arabian government has previously been accused of sportswashing—using investments in sports and entertainment to improve the regime's image and distract from human rights abuses—as it has hosted Formula 1, WWE and boxing events and completed a takeover of English Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021.