CNN
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Six-time golf main champion Phil Mickelson will take part within the inaugural LIV Golf event on the Centurion Membership close to London, together with two-time main winner Dustin Johnson, who on Tuesday resigned from the PGA Tour forward of headlining the controversial sequence.
Mickelson, who gained the final of three Masters inexperienced jackets in 2010, has not performed since controversial feedback in regards to the Saudi Arabian-funded occasions had been printed earlier this 12 months by his biographer.
He was quoted from a 2021 interview with writer Alan Shipnuck for his upcoming e-book, “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colourful Celebrity,” as saying that he would contemplate becoming a member of the proposed Tremendous League as a result of it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime alternative to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.”
Shipnuck quoted Mickelson as saying disparaging issues about Saudi Arabia’s human rights document and asserting that the dominion killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Mickelson stated in February he would take “a while away” from golf after being criticized for the feedback.
Mickelson tweeted a press release Monday, “I’m thrilled to start with LIV Golf and I recognize everybody concerned. I additionally intend to play the majors.”
Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, acknowledged partly on Monday, “(Mickelson) strengthens an thrilling subject for London the place we’re proud to launch a brand new period for golf. Our Worldwide Sequence qualifiers have earned an unbelievable alternative to compete in LIV Golf’s new format, and I’m keen to look at all of them tee it up…”
Mickelson was apologetic in Monday’s assertion saying “I need to once more apologize to the many individuals I offended and damage with my feedback just a few months in the past. I’ve made errors in my profession in a number of the issues I’ve stated and carried out … I’ve been engaged and intentional in continued remedy and really feel wholesome and far more at peace. I understand I nonetheless have an extended approach to go, however I’m embracing the work forward.”
CNN reached out to LIV Golf about how a lot cash Mickelson will earn for taking part.
In the meantime, Johnson introduced he had resigned from the PGA Tour to compete within the LIV Golf occasion.
He’s set to play together with 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, two-time main winner Martin Kaymer and Kevin Na amongst others.
“It’s arduous to talk on what the implications could be, however I’ve resigned my membership of the Tour and that’s the plan for now,” he stated at a press convention on the Centurion Membership, outdoors London, the venue for the inaugural Saudi-backed occasion which tees off on Thursday.
The 37-year-old American will not be eligible for the Ryder Cup however stays optimistic about that includes in future occasions of the biennial competitors in opposition to Europe, having been on the successful aspect twice in 5 appearances.
“The Ryder Cup is unbelievable and has meant so much to me, however finally I made a decision this was finest for me and my household,” he stated.
“All issues are topic to vary and hopefully, sooner or later, it should change and I’ll get an opportunity to try this once more,” he added.
In a press release launched afterward Tuesday, the USA Golf Affiliation (USGA) says it should welcome all golfers who’ve earned the precise to play within the US Open, together with gamers who’ve determined to take part within the LIV Golf sequence.
The USGA, citing its goal to be “essentially the most open championship on this planet,” says it could not be acceptable or honest to vary the event’s established subject standards. The affiliation additionally clarified that its determination shouldn’t be considered as a present of assist for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf sequence or its gamers.
Johnson is the second golfer to resign from the PGA Tour so as to play within the controversial breakaway lead, after American Na introduced his determination final week.
CNN reached out to the PGA Tour for remark about Johnson’s resignation.
Final week, the PGA Tour threatened “disciplinary motion” for PGA Tour golfers who take part within the new Saudi-backed sequence.
In a Washington Submit article posted Sunday, Norman admitted Tiger Woods was provided large cash to be part of the upstart sequence however turned it down. Norman stated the proposal to Woods was “mind-blowingly huge; we’re speaking about excessive 9 digits.”
