Phil Mickelson is stripped from hosting the PGA Tour event after statements he made involving PGA Tour and organizations with ties to Saudi Arabian breakaway league were leaked.
On Saturday, the Golfing org that the San Diego born-and-raised Mickelson, and his foundation, will not be hosting the annual American Express event hosted in La Quinta, California.
In addition to this loss for Mickelson, the Callaway Golf stalled their ties to the San Diegan golfer. It didn't stop there, however, as the software company Workday also announced that they are official parting way with Mickelson, by ending their sponsorship for good. The brewing company Amstel Light also cut ties with Phil, along with Holland-based professional services company KPMG.
This comes after a recently-released excerpt for an upcoming unofficial biography of Phil Mickelson, in which includes the golfer labeling the Saudis as "scary" because of their history of violating human rights, but also added that he is willing to look past those issues for the better of the PGA tour.
The golfer went on to apologize for his remarks that sparked criticism from even fellow golfers that are PGA tour participants. Phil says he apologizes for the words that were leaked about him on the matter, but also added that he has an issue with "off-the-record" remarks being publicized without his consent.
"Although it doesn't look this way now given my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been with the best interests of golf, my peers, sponsors and fans," Mickelson stated. "There is the problem of off-the-record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger issue is that I used words that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions. It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I'm beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this." he added.
Mickelson also says that he will be taking time to distance himself from the sport of golf, with the intention of devoting more time to his beloved relatives and to "work on being the man I want to be."
The 52-year-old has been the host of the American Express event since 2020, resulting in a short-lived run as host of the golfing event.
In the same statement, Mickelson says his intent is never to offend anyone with any remarks he makes, and he also express gratitude for those who have given him the benefit of the doubt on the matter.
"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public," Mickelson wrote in his statement. "My intent was never to hurt anyone and I'm sorry to the people I have negatively impacted. This has always been about supporting the players and I appreciate all the people who have given me the benefit of doubt." he added.
