Lefty files request for first LIV event

PHIL MICKELSON has filed a request to play in the first leg of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, a Saudi-funded event that has drawn scrutiny.

Mickelson has not committed to play in the tournament from June 9-11 in London. But his representatives completed the formal request ahead of the PGA Tour’s April 25 deadline for competing in conflicting events.

“Phil currently has no concrete plans on when and where he will play,” said Steve Loy of Sportfive, which represents Mickelson.

“Any actions taken are in no way a reflection of a final decision made, but rather to keep all options open.”

The Telegraph reported that Sergio Garcia is seeking to play in the first LIV tourney. Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen also have been linked to the event.

Mickelson also registered for the PGA Championship in May and the US Open in

June, according to Loy. The 51-year-old is the defending champion of the former, and winning the latter would give him the career grand slam.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf announced yesterday it will hold its season-ending Team Championship at Trump National Doral in Miami.

The Team Championship will feature a US$50 million (RM217m) and conclude an eight-tournament series that kicks off in London in June.

The Saudi-backed series, previously referred to as the Super Golf League, plans to dole out more than $250m (RM1.08b) in total purses.

Doral hosted a PGA Tour stop from 1962 until 2018. Former US president Donald Trump has owned the property since 2012, when his organization purchased it out of bankruptcy. – Field Level Media