'Let it go dude', Mickelson plays down LIV controversy

Phil Mickelson and Ian Poulter, two of the biggest names to join the rebel LIV Golf Invitational Series, played down suggestions they had received a hostile reception during the first round of the Open.

Briton Poulter was booed on the first tee before shooting a three-under-par 69 and Mickelson was unfazed by his decision not to attend the pre-tournament champions dinner.

"The R&A contacted me a couple weeks before and said, look, we don't think it's a great idea you go, but if you want to, you can," the American six-times major champion said.

"I just didn't want to make a big deal about it, so I said fine. We both kind of agreed that it would be best if I didn't."

The 52-year-old Mickelson, who started with a level-par 72 at St Andrews, was delighted to be at the home of golf.

"I love being here. Everybody here loves golf, and we find this place to be very spiritual," he said. "It's just a special place."

Mickelson said he was very comfortable with his decision to join the LIV series.

"I couldn't be more excited and ecstatic with where I'm at," he said. "I love the events. I get to have competitive golf in my life on a scale that is fun, exciting, different, and lets me play and compete but still do the things outside that I want to do."

He did bristle when asked again about the champions dinner.

"Let it go, dude. Let it go," he said. "That's three times you've asked the same question. I don't know what to tell you. I couldn't be happier."

Poulter, revered in European golf for his inspirational Ryder Cup performances, was booed by a few spectators, although the Englishman appeared not to notice.

"I actually thought I had a great reception on the first tee, to be honest," he said. "All I heard was clapping." Poulter reacted with