Mickelson, the six-time major champion, said that his end game is more about reshaping the PGA Tour than allowing the Saudi league to succeed.
He spoke out in an interview with Alan Shipnuck about Mickelson, which is due to be published in May. Shipnuck published a story on “The Firepit Collective”, based on the telephone interview.
Mickelson states, “They’re frightening mother (expletive), to get involved in,” Mickelson said. We know that they murdered Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post reporter. They also have a terrible record in human rights. People are executed for being gay in Saudi Arabia. I don’t know why anyone would even think about it after all this. This is a unique opportunity to reshape the way that the PGA operates.
Mickelson stated that the PGA Tour was used to “manipulatively, coercive and strong-arm tactics” as players had no recourse. Although Jay Monahan may seem nice, Mickelson said that he doesn’t have the leverage to do what is right.
He said that he was not certain that the Saudi league would succeed. “But the mere idea of it allows us to get things done during the tour.
Justin Thomas, one among many highly-ranked players who said they were not interested in a Saudi funded league, called Mickelson’s comments an “egotistical assertion.”
He’s done a lot for the PGA Tour. It’s a major reason it is where they are,” Thomas stated Friday at the Genesis Invitational. “But he and other passionate people who are very determined about that, if that’s what they want, then go ahead. They won’t be stopped by anyone, I believe.”
Mickelson’s public remarks are published two weeks after Mickelson spoke out against the PGA Tour in an interview with Golf Digest at The Saudi International.
Greg Norman, who owns LIV Investments and is behind the new league, has pumped $300,000,000 into the Asian Tour. This league is distinct from a proposal league that would offer players guaranteed money that elite players can earn on the PGA Tour.
According to one report, Bryson de Chambeau, another Saudi supporter was offered $130 million. This is more than Tiger Woods made in his entire career.
Mickelson stated in the report that “the tour likes pretending it’s democracy, but it really is a dictatorship.” They divide and conquer. The top players have different concerns than the guys who make their situation better. But the top guys don’t have any say.”
Mickelson didn’t say who the other top players are or what their attorneys cost. He said that he had 20 players who are ready to go for the Saudi league.
He stated, “If the tour does not do the right things, it is likely that it will happen.”
Although no one has signed up or been publicly announced, speculation has focused on players at the end of their careers.
“That’s not what they want, is it?” Rory McIlroy spoke Wednesday at Riviera. They don’t want a league that is like a pre-Champions Tour. I think I can understand the financial aspect of it for guys who are later in their careers.
McIlroy stated, “You look at those people that have said no,” citing Collin Morikawa and Jon Rahm as examples. “You have the best players in the world saying no so that tells you something.”
