NO REGRETS

Mickelson feels for 9/11 families but admits huge sums from Saudi-backed tour were too good to turn down

PHIL MICKELSON admits he has “sympathy” for the families of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

But the six-time Major winner will carry on pocketing the cash from the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour.

Mickelson is back in America for the US Open at Brookline this week – and braced for a backlash from a number of PGA Tour players and fans.

Many of the players who pitched up at The Centurion Club in Hertfordshire last week for the LIV opener – which was won by South African Charl Schwartzel (right) – handed in their Tour card before PGA chiefs in America announced a suspension for the rebels.

But Mickelson has still not officially resigned from the Tour and will chase the one Major not on his CV because the governing body – the USGA – have not followed suit for this year’s championship. During a prickly press conference yesterday he was quizzed on a letter to him from a survivors group of the 2001 atrocity. But the 51-year-old snapped back: “I’ve read all that. Is there a question in there?” Then another question asking his response to the group did not even get answered. Mickelson said: “I would say to the Strada family, I would say to everyone that has lost loved ones, lost friends in 9/11 that I have deep, deep empathy for them.

“I can’t emphasise that enough. I have the deepest of sympathy and empathy for them.”

But he swerved another question on whether or not he would respond to the group personally and admitted he had no regrets about taking the Saudi money.

Mickelson, who signed an appearance deal believed to be worth up to £165million, added: “There’s an incredible financial commitment for all the players and everyone involved.

“But more than that, there are other factors that with fewer tournaments, it allows me to have more balance in my life.”

Rory McIlroy lashed out at LIV after his thrilling victory at the Canadian Open on Sunday, but Mickelson said: “I respect if they disagree but at this time this is the right decision.”

Now he could face further flak from the galleries at The Country Club near Boston starting in Thursday’s first round.

He added: “I understand that they have strong feelings and strong emotions regarding this choice and I certainly respect them, I respect that.

“The Boston crowds are some of the best in sports. Their excitement and energy is what creates such a great atmosphere, so whether it’s positive or negative towards me directly, it’s going to provide an incredible atmosphere.”