BROOKLINE, Mass. – Donald Trump, 9/11, Saudi Arabia’s controversial regime, therapy, gambling problems and self-reflection.
And some golf.
In his first stateside interview since January, Phil Mickelson was on the receiving end of a battering-ram like volley from media members Monday ahead of Thursday’s start of the 122nd U.S. Open at The Country Club.
In 25 minutes, Mickelson, who will be playing in his 30th U.S. Open, was on the receiving end of 32 questions that covered a slew of subjects, the majority stemming from his decision to join LIV Golf, the rival league backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and led by Greg Norman.
Mickelson reportedly received $200 million to join the league and was promptly suspended from the PGA Tour by commissioner Jay Monahan shortly after hitting his opening tee shot last week in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event in London. He tied for 33rd in the 48-man field and won $150,000.
“I wanted to say that it’s nice to be back, nice to see you guys,” were Mickelson’s first words. “It’s been four months. It’s been a necessary time and an opportunity for me to step away a little bit and put a little bit of thought and reflection into going forward and how to best prioritize things.”
And then came the questions.
Here are a few of them.
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