Just weeks after comments surfaced in which Phil Mickelson said he was involved with human rights violators for the “disgusting greed” of the PGA Tour, the PGA Tour gave Mickelson a $ 6 million bonus.
Mickelson received the award for second place in the first annual program to influence the players of the Tour, which rewards players for their ability to engage with fans. Tiger Woods won the grand prize of $ 8 million, the Tour announced on Wednesday morning. The program seems to have started in response to the Saudi Golf League, with its sweat rising from $ 40 million to $ 50 million in 2022.
The money will come as an unforeseen income for Mickelson, who has been bleeding sponsors lately. Workday, KPMG and Amstel Light ended their relationship with the six-time big winner, while Callaway Golf paused. The American Express event also missed Mickelson as host.
Mickelson told golf writer Alan Shipnuk that he was at least looking into the Saudi regime’s human rights history because getting involved with them was a way to put pressure on Tour.
“They’re scary mothers to mess with,” Mickelson said. “We know they killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. record Jamal] Kashogi and have a terrible experience in human rights. They execute people there for being gay. Knowing all this, why even consider it? Because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the way the PGA Tour works. ”
Reaction to Mickelson’s comments was swift and immediate, with other golfers withdrawing from the Saudi League and Rory McIlroy calling Mickelson “naive, selfish, selfish, ignorant.”
Mickelson issued a long statement after Shipnuck made his comments public, apologizing and claiming that the conversation had not been recorded, which Shipnuck said was incorrect.
The 51-year-old man also said he planned to take a break from golf. It is unclear when Mickelson plans to return to the course.
Mickelson stated in December that he won the first PIP, which turned out to be incorrect.