News
‘It was reckless’ – Mickelson posts apology for ‘off record’ Saudi remarks; KPMG and Phil split
On Tuesday, Phil Mickelson made a lengthy apology for comments that he made regarding the Saudi Golf League that had recently gone viral.
The comments were made to journalist Alan Shipnuck, who shared them last week ahead of the release of his unauthorised biography of Mickelson, with Lefty allegedly saying he used the Saudi project as leverage against the PGA Tour.
In a statement released today, Mickelson wrote:
A Statement from Phil Mickelson pic.twitter.com/2saaXIxhpu
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) February 22, 2022
“Although it doesn’t look this way now given my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been with the best interest of golf, my peers, sponsors, and fans.
There is the problem of off record comments being shared out of context and without my consent. but the bigger issue is that I used words I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions.
It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I’m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.
Golf desperately needs change, and real change is always preceded by disruption. I have always known that criticism would come with exploring anything new.
I still chose to put myself at the forefront of this to inspire change, taking the hits publicly to do the work behind the scenes.
My experience with LIV Golf Investments has been very positive, I apologize for anything I said that was taken out of context.
The specific people I have worked with are visionaries and have only been supportive. More importantly they passionately love golf and share my drive to make the game better.
They have a clear plan to create an updated positive experience for everyone including players, sponsors, networks and fans.
The last thing I would ever want to do is compromise them or their business in any way, and I have given all of them the option to puase or end relationships as I understand it might be necesarry given the current circumstances.
I believe in these people and companies in these people and companies and will always be here for them with or without a contract.
I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public.
My intent was never to hurt anyone and I’m so sorry to the people I have negatively impacted.
This has always been about supporting the players and the game and I appreciate all the people who have given me the benefit of the doubt.
Despite my belief that some changes have already been made within the overall discourse, I know I need to be accountable.
For the past 31 years I have lived a very public life and I have strived to live up to my own expectations, be the role model the fans deserve, and be someone that inspires others.
I’ve worked to compete at the highest level, be available to media, represent my sponsors with integrity, engage with volunteers and sign every autograph for my incredible fans.
I have experienced many successful rewarding moments I will always cherish, but I have often failed myself and others too.
The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level.
I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.”
I have incredible partners, and these relationships mean so much more to me than a contract.
Many have been my most influential mentors and I consider all to be lifelong friends.”
Amy Rogers of Golf Channel broke the news on Tuesday evening that sponsor KPMG and Mickelson had mutually agreed to part ways tweeting:
Received the statement below from @KPMG_US confirming that they have ended their longtime partnership with Phil Mickelson. pic.twitter.com/ASytnF1Atb
— Amy Rogers (@TheAmyRogers) February 22, 2022
In response to Mickelson’s apology, Shipnuck has refuted Lefty’s claims that the comments were made off the record:
The 'off the record' piece of this is completely false and I'll have more to say on that shortly. https://t.co/7cogbJlneK
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) February 22, 2022
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Pingback: ‘I think he hurt the game of golf’ – Greg Norman on Mickelson’s Saudi comments – GolfWRX
Henry R Fitzgerald
Feb 28, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Shipnuck? Another media hack.
Henry R Fitzgerald
Feb 28, 2022 at 7:40 pm
Phil exposed the PGA Tour Mafia and now the Boss Monahan and his little millionaire Capos are piling on Phil.
The PGA Tour is going to need good lawyers because they are going to get hammer with antitrust lawsuits.
Why is the PGA Tour afraid of? Nobody is going to take their right of saving tee times honoring convicted wife beaters or crackhead, like George Floyd.
geohogan
Feb 26, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Now that Phil is loosing all his sponsors, his USA income: KPMG, Barclays, Callaway?, Exxon? Amgen? …..
Is move to Saudi a forgone conclusion.
geohogan
Feb 25, 2022 at 12:56 pm
“(The PGA Tour’s) brought millions and millions of dollars to communities, it’s brought great competition, great television,” Nicklaus said. “Why would I not support that? Instead, I’m going to go support for my own benefit, see 40 guys break away from the PGA Tour at the whim of an advertising agency in Saudi Arabia?
so says the G.O.A.T.
Speedy
Feb 24, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Phil, Greg, Tiger off into the sunset.
Jack Nash
Feb 24, 2022 at 8:48 am
Looking in the wrong direction with Phil here. It’s all about revenge for Norman and rightly so. When he was at the top of the heap he suggested to the top brass about Tourneys for the top golfers with big cash payouts. The PGA said get lost and life moved on. Then shortly after Tiger arrived the WGC events started(1999) with the “Top Golfers” and Big Cash” prizes. Seemed that’s what Norman suggested years prior, so Any chance he gets to take a jab at the PGA he will. The new League would feature big cash payouts and even “Team” events which the viewers seem to be clamoring for. The League won’t likely get off the ground but guess what? The PGA has initiated bigger cash payouts, and go figure some “Team” events scheduled this fall. Who woulda thunk it that the PGA was that forward thinking. All they needed to be was pressured. So maybe Phil wasn’t that wrong? As for demonizing the country the league is started from, maybe some of the pros And PGA should see what’s happening with NBA pros and their, lets say equipment brands, and where they’re made? You see a lot of swoosh’s out there.
Pingback: Things somehow just got worse (and a bit more embarrassing) for Phil Mickelson – GolfWRX
Professor
Feb 24, 2022 at 1:41 am
So, apparently, Phil called Shipnuck last fall (2021) and just started talking about LIV and the Saudi League. It all comes out and Phil tries to say it was off the record?’ C’mon man! And then, Phil calls Shipnuck last week and tries to backtrack saying it was off the record. But at the end of the day this is Phil being Phil. We all saw this coming when he threw Tom Watson under the bus after the Ryder Cup loss. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong but Tom Watson didn’t hit a shot in that Ryder Cup did he? This was just arrogance gone unchecked. But on a serious note, is Phil going to be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life? He was right about the Saudis being scary @$&*%^s. They do kill people.
Michael
Feb 23, 2022 at 8:33 pm
Gambling Phil has relapsed. Kept doubling down with his mouth and ego and lost.
The final chapter of your career pretty much rewrites the others with people who thought they knew you.
Speedy
Feb 23, 2022 at 5:33 pm
SGL, Norman, Mickelson, Trump golf courses seem a bad mix.
Regarding occasional world tour or super golf league chatter over the years, Norman seems ready to fail again.
geohogan
Feb 25, 2022 at 12:52 pm
MBS, Trump, Mickelson, Norman…..Narcissists are US
Mike Culp
Feb 23, 2022 at 4:11 pm
It seems to me there are several people on here that have never said or done something that they wish they hadn’t.
geohogan
Feb 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm
No worries…MC. Its “off the record”.. boot licker
geohogan
Feb 23, 2022 at 9:44 am
Phil didnt intend to reveal, one more time, how self serving
an A hole he is and has always been.
Ted
Feb 23, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Kiss up to evil for paper you don’t need. Check
Get criticized in twitter for kissing up and insatiable greed. Check
Get triggered. Check
Go on twitter ban binge. Check
Still get criticized for kissing up and censoring. Check
Fake damage control deflecting blame. Check
Ruining your product and reputation. Check
Just don’t come back Phil. Done.
Tony Rocket
Feb 23, 2022 at 9:20 am
Golf Channel are doing their bidding for the PGA tour. Talk about throwing someone under the bus. It is quite clear the tour is afraid of competition, much like every crony corporation these days. It’s quite rich that the tour and OEMS care so much about human rights while being in bed with China. What a joke?
Tom
Feb 23, 2022 at 11:23 am
Yes. Such a joke that some think they must choose one evil or the other evil.
Professor
Feb 24, 2022 at 1:55 am
Are you saying Golf Channel is throwing Phil under the bus because they’re reporting this story? I’m sorry friend but Phil has done a pretty good job of that all on his own. Again…
Henry R Fitzgerald
Feb 23, 2022 at 12:21 am
Wow, I see the GWRX wokesters are deleting posts, lol….
joe
Feb 23, 2022 at 1:07 pm
dumb posts should be deleted. time to marginalize the cray cray. you’ve had your few years of blurting out insanity
Henry R Fitzgerald
Feb 22, 2022 at 9:32 pm
What a goof! I have no respect for Mickelson.
A man who can’t stand by his convictions for a dollar is not a man worth listening to.
I could care less what happens to this coward.
Gerald R Henry
Feb 23, 2022 at 1:19 am
You won’t do %$#@
toyzrx
Feb 22, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Gotta love Phil though for always being authentic and wild, coming back across from 2 fairways over trying to make a great save.
Paul Runyan
Feb 22, 2022 at 6:42 pm
I think there are slightly more import things to be concerned about other than a narcissist golfer…
geohogan
Feb 27, 2022 at 8:58 am
@PR; like concern about narcissist leader(s)
“So Putin is now saying, ‘It’s independent,’ a large section of Ukraine,” Trump continued. “I said, ‘How smart is that?’ And he’s going to go in and be a peacekeeper. That’s the strongest peace force. We could use that on our southern border. That’s the strongest peace force I’ve ever seen.”
He then called Putin a “very savvy” person whom he claimed to know “very, very well.”
Tom
Feb 22, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Too late Phil. You should have done the math first. It takes 10 years to build trust and 10 seconds to destroy it.
Good bye.