Rory McIlroy blasts ‘selfish, egotistical, ignorant’ Phil Mickelson over Saudi Super Golf League comments

Rory McIlroy has described Phil Mickelson’s comments about the Saudi Super Golf League (SGL) as ‘naïve, selfish, egotistical’ and ‘ignorant’.

Mickelson has faced heavy backlash after suggesting that he is willing to overlook Saudi Arabia’s human-rights abuse and consider joining the breakaway league in order to gain leverage on the PGA Tour.

‘They’re scary motherf****** to get involved with,’ Mickelson said in an interview with golf writer and author Alan Shipnuck back in November.

‘They killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.’

When asked about Mickelson’s comments on Sunday, McIlroy replied: ‘I don’t want to kick someone while he’s down, obviously, but I thought they were naïve, selfish, egotistical, ignorant.

‘It was just very surprising and disappointing. Sad. I’m sure he’s sitting at home sort of rethinking his position and where he goes from here.’

Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson both delivered a major snub to the SGL on Sunday by pledging their commitment to the PGA Tour.

‘I was really glad to see DJ and Bryson put out those statements this week,’ said McIlroy.

‘We all want to play against the best players in the world and they’re certainly two of the best players in the world and it’s nice to know they are committed to playing here and committed to making this the best tour in the world.’

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