Phil Mickelson is fired from hosting the PGA Tour event after statements he made about the PGA Tour and organizations linked to Saudi Arabia’s breakaway league were leaked.
On Saturday, the golf organization that Mickelson, born and raised in San Diego, and his foundation will not be hosting the annual American Express event in La Quinta, California.
In addition to this loss for Mickelson, Callaway Golf has severed its ties with the San Diegan golfer. It didn’t stop there, however, as software company Workday also announced that they have officially parted ways with Mickelson, ending their sponsorship for good. The brewing company Amstel Light has also cut ties with Phil, along with the Dutch professional services company KPMG.
This comes after a recently published excerpt for an upcoming unofficial biography of Phil Mickelson, which includes the golfer calling the Saudis “terrifying” because of their record of human rights violations, but also added that is willing to look beyond those problems. for the best of the PGA tour.
The golfer apologized for his comments, which drew criticism even from other golfers on the PGA tour. Phil says he apologizes for the words that were leaked to him on the matter, but also added that he has a problem with “off the record” comments being posted without his consent.
“Although it may not seem that way now due to my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been in the best interest of golf, my teammates, sponsors and fans,” Mickelson said. “There is the problem of off-the-record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger problem is that I used words that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions. It was reckless, I offended people and I deeply regret my choice of words. I am beyond disappointed and will do my best to reflect and learn from this.” he added he.
Mickelson also says he will take some time to distance himself from the sport of golf, with the intention of spending more time with his loved ones and “working to be the man I want to be.”
The 52-year-old has hosted the American Express event since 2020, resulting in a brief run hosting the golf event.
In the same statement, Mickelson says that it is never his intention to offend anyone with the comments he makes, and he also expresses his gratitude to those who have given him the benefit of the doubt in this regard.
“I have made many mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public,” Mickelson wrote in his statement. “My intention was never to hurt anyone and I am sorry for the people I have negatively impacted. It has always been about supporting the players and I thank all the people who have given me the benefit of the doubt. he added he.
