The American announced on Monday joining the new international circuit (LIV), without wanting to break with the PGA Tour. It is expected, Thursday, in St Albans (England) at the inaugural tournament of the Super League.
Le Monde with AFP
The former world number one golf world Phil Mickelson confirmed, Monday, June 6, that he had committed to the dissident super league funded by Saudi Arabia (LIV), despite threats to sanction from the North Circuit -Americian PGA. “I am ready to start playing again the game I like, but, after thirty-two years, it’s a new start on another path,” wrote the 51-year-old American, winner of six tournaments major, on his Twitter account.
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– Philmickelson (@phil mickelson) in statements to the American sports magazine Illustrated , the left -handed player also said his intention to continue to play major PGA tournaments. “I can’t wait to play the US Open”, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, stressing that he understood his interviews with the PGA authorities, that it would be possible for him. “Lefty”, of her nickname, also said that he would remain a member of the PGA, unlike other players who joined the liv.
“ as we said to all of our members, May 10 , the players affiliated with the PGA circuit were not allowed To participate in the tournament organized by the Saudi Golf League in London, in accordance with our regulations, “said the body in a press release dated 1 e er June. “Also the members who violate these regulations are subject to disciplinary sanctions,” adds the PGA Tour in this text.
excuses, without forgiveness
In a biography written by journalist Alan Shipnuck, Phil Mickelson had explained that “Saudi money” funding this new circuit offered golfers a “means of pressure” to “advance things with the PGA”, while highlighting the “horrible human rights assessment” of the Saudi kingdom. He had subsequently apologized and decided to “step back”, In particular, causing the masters and the PGA championship.
Absent from the greens since he had expressed at the start of his support for this project, while criticizing the leaders of the PGA Tour, he appears on the list of committed for the Liv inaugural tournament, which will take place from June 9 to 11 at the Centurion Club in St Albans, north of London. The left-hander will notably be accompanied by the former world number one Dustin Johnson, the Spaniard Sergio García, or the British star Ian Poulter.
This event, like the other to come, provides an endowment of $ 25 million (around 23 million euros), more than double of each of the four adults. Not a single test of the professional golf association offers so much money.