ST. ALBANS, ENGLAND (SNN-TV) – Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson is back on the golf course for the first time in four months.
Mickelson breaking his silence in his first news conference since making controversial comments in February about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the new golf tour it’s backing.
The lefty lost several sponsors and went into a self-imposed exile, sitting out the Masters and PGA Championship.
He told reporters he doesn’t condone human rights violations, and explained why he’s choosing to play in the new Saudi-backed tour, LIV Golf.
“This is an opportunity that allows me to still have golf in my life, but also have a balance where I can be more present, I can be more engaged with the people I really care about. And that is, that is why when I think about being a part of LIV golf, I feel so good about it.”
In addition to Mickelson, participants include two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Martin Kaymer, and Kevin Na among others.