‘It’s not right’ – Gary Player defends Phil Mickelson amid Saudi criticism

Gary Player has backed embattled golfer Phil Mickelson in light of the American’s links with a breakaway Saudi tour.

Mickelson, a six-time major champion, is taking a break from golf after being heavily criticised for his role in leading a group of players to join a Super Golf League earlier this year.

However, Player – who won nine majors between 1961 and 1978 – believes Mickelson has paid the price for his misguidedness and should be allowed to move on with career.

He said: ‘I think we live in a time now when we are such a judgmental society, a litigious society, a critical society, where people get crucified.

‘The greatest PR man on the golf tour in the last five or X amount of years has been Phil Mickelson. He has been the ideal man for a sponsor, for professional golf, for the public, the way he’s handled the public, with dignity and with love.

‘And he makes a mistake, which every one of you in this room have made a damn mistake. We all have. And he said he’s sorry. But even the Lord God will forgive you of your inequities if you ask for forgiveness.

‘I phoned him. I said, ‘Hold your head up high’. You’ve made a mistake. Everybody makes a mistake. And he should go on with his life. It’s amazing. From the epitome of perfection, he’s down there being crucified. It’s not right. That’s my opinion. He said terrible things, but we all make mistakes.’

Since winning the PGA Championship last year, Mickelson’s popularity has fallen like a stone and many sponsors have cut ties with the American following a phone conversation he took with golf writer Alan Shipnuck.

In an excerpt to be released in a new book next month, Mickelson describes the Saudis as ‘scary mother****ers’ to get involved with and suggested his support for the