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Mickelson has been linked to LIV Golf for months but began a
self-imposed hiatus from the sport in February -- even skipping
his title defence at the PGA Championship -- amid backlash over
comments he made about the breakaway tour.
"I am ready to come back to play the game I love but after 32
years this new path is a fresh start, one that is exciting for
me at this stage of my career and is clearly transformative, not
just for myself, but ideally for the game and my peers,"
Mickelson said in a statement posted on social media.
The 51-year-old's public image took a hit when the author of an
unauthorised biography on Mickelson released excerpts from the
book in which the American golfer called the Saudis "scary" but
said he was willing to look past their human rights records to
gain leverage with the PGA Tour.
Mickelson, who has lost several sponsors since his comments
surfaced, apologised again on Monday to those he offended, said
he has spent time in therapy and also intends to play in golf's
four majors, if permitted.
"I fully realize and respect some may disagree with this
decision and have strong opinions and I empathize with that,"
said Mickelson, who has lost a number of sponsors since his
controversial comments surfaced.
"I have a renewed spirit and excitement for the game. I am
incredibly grateful for the support of my fans, partners,
friends, and peers and I hope in time, those sentiments,
relationships, and support continue."
Golf's next major is the June 16-19 U.S. Open outside Boston and
while Mickelson is an exempt player and filed an entry to
compete, the Unites States Golf Association reserves the right
to review any player's situation on a case-by-case basis.
MAJOR DRAWCARD
Among the other golfers already confirmed for the 48-player LIV
event being held June 9-11 at Centurion Club are former world
number ones Dustin Johnson, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer as
well as 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia.
Mickelson, however, has long been one of the biggest drawcards
in the game, capable of driving up television ratings almost
single-handedly when in contention for one of golf's bigger
events, and his presence at Centurion could offer a boost to the
first of eight LIV Golf events this year.
Both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have recently declined all
requests from members who had asked for releases to compete at
Centurion where $25 million is up for grabs, including $4
million for the winner.
It is unknown whether those competing in the lucrative breakaway
circuit's first event, which is being held opposite the PGA
Tour's Canadian Open -- where the winner will get $1.57 million
from an $8.7 million purse -- will face punishment.
Mickelson, a 45-time winner on the PGA Tour, has not played on
the U.S.-based circuit since January and last competed in early
February at an Asian Tour event in Saudi Arabia.
"Phil Mickelson is unequivocally one of the greatest golfers of
this generation," LIV Golf Chief Executive Greg Norman said in a
news release.
"His contributions to the sport and connection to fans around
the globe cannot be overstated and we are grateful to have him."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in TorontoEditing by Christian
Radnedge)
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