Phil Mickelson will play in the first Saudi-backed LIV Golf Championship

Phil Mickelson officially announced on Monday that he will be Join the PGA Tour’s rival golf league After months of speculation and backlash for his support of the Saudi-funded organization.

Mickelson said he will take part in his first LIV Golf tournament this week in London at Centurion Golf Club with $25 million in prize money and $4 million going to the winner.

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In his statement, Mickelson apologized for apparently ignoring Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist. He has not appeared at a golf tournament since comments he made to author Alan Shipnuck, which were part of his unauthorized autobiography.

“First of all, I would like to apologize once again to the many people I offended and offended with my comments a few months ago. I made mistakes in my career in some of the things I said and did. The thinking was very humble. I needed to start prioritizing the people I love more and work on becoming a better version of myself,” Mickelson said in a statement. “I’ve been spending this time with Amy and my loved ones. I’ve been deliberately involved in ongoing therapy and feel healthier and more at peace. I know I still have a long way to go, but I embrace the work ahead.”

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Mickelson said he’s ready for a “fresh start.”

PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson plays Sunday at Kiawah Island Resort Ocean Course. Kiawah Island, SC.
(Rick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

“I am ready to go back to playing the game I love, but after 32 years, this new path is a fresh start, an exciting path for me at this point in my career and obviously transformative, not just for me, but ideally for the game and my peers. I Also I like the progressive format and I think it will be exciting for the fans. Equally important, it will provide balance, allowing me to focus on a healthier approach to life on and off the field. I am so grateful for what this game and the PGA Tour have given me. I like to think I gave the favour, too but I Now excited for this new opportunity.

“I am delighted to be starting LIV Golf and I appreciate everyone involved. I also intend to play major tournaments. I fully understand and respect some who may not agree with this decision and have strong opinions and I sympathize with that. I have a renewed spirit and excitement for the game. I am so grateful for the fan support partners, friends, colleagues and I hope these sentiments, relationships and support continue in time.”

Mickelson He will be joining Dustin Johnsonand Sergio Garcia and three other former champions of the 54-hole championship.

It’s Lefty’s first tournament since February 6 at the Saudi International, when he accused the PGA Tour of “hateful greed.” In comments to Shupnick, Mickelson said it was worth getting into LIV Golf regardless of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

November 11, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phil Mickelson’s reaction after he lost his shot from the 18th hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Cup golf tournament in Phoenix
(Alan Henry – USA Today Sports)

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He later apologized for these remarks but skipped the masters And the PGA Championship The last one he won in 2021.

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“His contributions to the sport and his connection to fans around the world cannot be overstated, and we are grateful to have him,” LIV Commissioner of Golf Greg Norman said of Mickelson. “It is strengthening an exciting field in London as we are proud to launch a new era of golf.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.