Rory McIlroy calls for Mickelson to be forgiven over Saudi breakaway scandal

The latest public blow to under-fire Phil Mickelson was delivered before an unforeseen boost after Rory McIlroy called for clemency towards the six-time major champion.

In December, Mickelson claimed he won the PGA Tour’s inaugural player impact program which rewards those who bring attention to the sport. It has now emerged Tiger Woods actually took the $8m top prize despite not hitting a shot in competition during 2021. “How is this possible?” asked Tour professional Kevin Na. Mickelson was second, which carries a $6m payout. Woods could not resist a social media jibe at his old adversary as the results were published. Five criteria – internet searches, earned media, social media, TV sponsor exposure and public awareness – were used to determine a top 10.

Mickelson is taking a break from golf and has lost sponsors after being engulfed in a scandal related to his comments about a Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway tour. McIlroy initially branded Mickelson’s words “naive, egotistical, selfish, ignorant.” Speaking before the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy said Mickelson should be afforded some leeway.

“It is unfortunate,” said McIlroy of Mickelson’s situation. “I think Phil has been a wonderful ambassador for the game of golf, still is a wonderful ambassador for the game of golf.

“Look, Phil will be back. I think the players want to see him back. He’s done such a wonderful job for the game of golf and he’s represented the game very, very well for the entirety of his career.

“We all make mistakes. We all say things we want to take back. No one is different in that regard. But we should be allowed to make mistakes. We should be allowed to ask for forgiveness and for people to forgive us and move on. Hopefully, he comes back