Phil Mickelson to play in Saudi-backed LIV Golf's first tournament

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Phil Mickelson officially announced Monday he will be joining the PGA Tour’s rival golf league following months of speculation and blowback for his support for the Saudi-funded organization.

Mickelson said he will be at LIV Golf’s first tournament this week in London at the Centurion Golf Club with $25 million in prize money and $4 million going to the winner.

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Phil Mickelson of USA and Greg Norman, CEO of Liv Golf Investments interact during a practice round prior to the PIF Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on Feb. 2, 2022 in Al Murooj, Saudi Arabia. (Luke Walker/WME IMG/WME IMG via Getty Images)

In his statement, Mickelson apologized for seemingly brushing off Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamaal Khashoggi. He hadn’t appeared in a golf tournament since the comments he made to author Alan Shipnuck, which were a part of his unauthorized biography.

"First and foremost, I want to again apologize to the many people I offended and hurt with my comments a few months ago. I have made mistakes in my career in some of the things I have said and done. Taking time away and self-reflecting has been very humbling. I needed to start prioritizing the people that I love the most and work on becoming a better version of myself," Mickelson’s statement read. "I have spent this time with Amy and loved ones. I have been engaged and intentional in continued therapy and feel healthy and much more at peace. I realize I still have a away to go, but I am embracing the work ahead."

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