In the past few days, Phil Mickelson has been the major focus of scorn throughout the golf community. And now, his longtime sponsor, KPMG, is going in separate ways.
Mickelson drew a strong rebuke from fellow golfers — notably, Rory McIlroy — over the weekend in response to a possible involvement with a Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway Super Golf League. That league, which looks in major jeopardy after many top PGA golfers declined, was going to be financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund with direct ties to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In an interview with Alan Shipnuck, Mickelson acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s horrible human rights record, but was willing to put that aside for the financial opportunity to leverage the PGA Tour.
Mickelson broke his silence on Tuesday, issuing a statement to apologize. He also said that he would be taking some time away from golf.
A Statement from Phil Mickelson pic.twitter.com/2saaXIxhpu
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) February 22, 2022
The apology, though, wasn’t enough to stop KPMG from making its decision.
Statement from Phil Mickelson’s longtime sponsor KPMG:
“KPMG U.S. and Phil Mickelson have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately. We wish him the best.”
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) February 22, 2022
Mickelson first partnered with KPMG in 2008, and the company’s logo became a fixture on his hats and visors as he went on to win three majors under that endorsement partnership. He received roughly $40 million in sponsorship money last year.
Golf fans weren’t exactly disappointed to see Mickelson face financial consequences for his words and actions. And this could just be the beginning.