SORRY, NOT SORRY
Criticism from 9/11 group can’t change Phil’s mind
PHIL MICKELSON admits he feels bad for the families of the 9/11 terrorist attack – but not bad enough to turn down the huge sums of cash he is pocketing from LIV Golf.
The American says he has no regrets jumping ship to the mega-money LIV Tour, even if most of the golfing world has reacted in horror.
Mickelson accepts he may be snubbed by pals on the fairway and booed by fans on the other side of the ropes.
Not even a letter from a survivors group from the 2001 atrocity can shift his opinion and the mere mention of the protest got his back up.
The 51-year-old pitched up at Brookline yesterday ahead of this week’s US Open and was right in the firing line.
And when a reporter was relaying the contents of the 9/11 survivors letter, Mickelson snapped before she even got the words out.
He said: “I’ve read all that. Is there a question in there?”
The question asking for his response to the group did not even get answered when it did land.
Mickelson said: “I would say to the Strada family, I would say to everyone that has lost loved ones, lost friends on 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.”
He also ducked when asked if he would be responding to the group personally and admitted the move was mainly about the money. He signed a deal with the Saudis believed to be worth up to $200m and said:
“There’s an incredible financial commitment for all the players involved 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.”
Mickelson bobbed and weaved and insisted he respects the players, fans and media who have put the boot in after last week’s LIV Tour debut in St Albans. And he even admitted he won’t mind being booed at Brookline.
He said: “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 to hold this championship.”
Rory McIlroy lashed out at LIV after winning the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday but Mickelson said: “I respect if they disagree but at this time this is the right decision.”