Golf: What is Mickelson doing

Lets not make Phil Mickelson into some choir boy.

Mickelson seemed like that guy who would bet which snail would make it across the street first. He was involved in an insider trader scandal.

He plays golf by the seat of his pants and was hesitated to tweak the tour or the USGA.

With all that said, his comments about the tour in relation to Saudi Arabia was even over the top for Phil.

“We know 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. They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse. As nice a guy as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right. And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want [the SGL] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.” – The Truth About Phil and Saudi Arabia

Who says this???? I’m all for a capitalism. Probably more than most but you still have to choose your bedfellows a little more carefully.

Several players felt compelled to verbally support the PGA Tour.

What’s most offensive about this is Mickelson’s attempt to make this some sort of Robin Hood type of play. He’s trying to change the PGA Tour? He’s acting like he’s Norma Rae for millionaires. Come on man… just admit you love money and you’re taking the money.

Saudi money doesn’t provide leverage again the Tour. There’s not enough players who are willing to sell their souls to get in bed with them.

Mickelson will always have his fans. He’s been one of the most popular golfers in this generation. He’s a risk taker. The type of guy who people want to be but don’t have guts to take the risks.

But some risks aren’t worth gambling your goodwill away… if only Mickelson would realize that.

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