Phil Mickelson: 2022 U.S. Open Press Conference

Six-time U.S. Open runner-up Phil Mickelson speaks to the media on Monday of championship week at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.
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[@RealKungFu]

When I was 13 years old in Scottsdale Arizona I was hitting balls at the range that Phil was practicing on at Grayhawk and Phil came over and hit balls with me for 15 minutes… even used my junior lefty clubs to hit awesome shots with me… Who else does that? What a great guy and has done nothing but give himself to the game of golf and the fans his whole life! These are BS questions (with BS attitude) and I guarantee you every fan who comes to this tournament is gonna be cheering the hell out of Phil this week!

[@Pk-fi5hq]

Lies he will get boos all day

[@VG32123]

@@Pk-fi5hq Not in the practise round today tho'

[@Pk-fi5hq]

@@VG32123 must be alit of people with zero morals then that like working for woman beaters and people who murder innocent people for not having the same views he’s went into partnership with utter scum so you can carry on cheering I will keep to my own morals thanks

[@RealKungFu]

@@Pk-fi5hq I promise you if Phil gets on the leaderboard the entire golf community will be chanting Phil Phil Phil Phil Phil

[@Pk-fi5hq]

@@RealKungFu so because he hit a few golf balls with you years ago it makes him a good guy for life you are deluded go ask his last caddy if he’s a good guy took the flag of him and took it home when it’s the caddy that gets to keep it the guys is a rodent always will be and I bet none of his competitors will speak to him either he’s hated take ur tongue out his ass at look at what he’s doing to golf and all for a dollar greedy Michelson go play in liv and don’t come back thanks

[@signals34]

wow, he's a golfer.....U.S. does 40 billion dollars of trade with these guys...lol.....wow ,they don't give Biden grilling questions like these...lol....

[@carlmessalle473]

Exactly. Get on your high horse and bash Phil but let the elected officials off the hook and not even hold their feet to the fire…..Until the press stops their hypocritical selective outrage, they are hacks.

[@user-sb4zv7pv4i]

We are in such a ridiculous place. The US, media, fans, etc, are extremely gifted when it comes to selective outrage.

[@Gnofg]

I hear there is going to be a mass beheading of gay people in Riyadh. Will you be attending?

[@michaelpeters2180]

We live amongst the offended.

[@user-sb4zv7pv4i]

@Quote anytime my friend.

[@carlmessalle473]

Selective outrage is the perfect description. I can respect someone who takes a stand on a topic and puts their money where their mouth is but the hypocrisy is sickening.

[@rebelradio71]

🎯 🎯 🎯

[@LifeAtSea50]

The media are absolutely disgraceful for grilling Phil on Saudi and 911. Remind me again how much the Saudi Govt give the USA for weapons contracts? Hypocrisy is astounding and pathetic. Good Luck to you Mr Mickleson

[@finalfrontier001]

Saudi had nothing to do with 9/11.

[@Skumtomten1]

How is Saudi related to Al-Qaida?

[@tryingtobefairandobjective3480]

@@finalfrontier001 Please read. Saudi's were the people behind the plane crashes. Are you THAT stupid?

[@Scatterpattern]

Apart from the fact that Bin Laden was a member of the Saudi royal family and most of the bombers were Saudi?

[@Skumtomten1]

@@Scatterpattern So, you believe some saudis managed to hijack one of the most controlled airspaces in the world without any response? Do you know 30 000 engineers and architects have signed papers demanding further investigation on 9/11 due to the official story being flawed? If a building is to collapse in it's own footprint, it would require that all the supporting columns are destroyed in an exact, perfect sequence. That would only ever happen in a controlled demolition. The official story claims the steel (which was fireproof) melted from the heat. This has not been validated/proven through replicable experimentation. Not even the dataset for the computer simulations has been released for independent verification rendering the conclusions of the reports. This would be a first in history if thats the case, believe that if you will. Not to mention a BBC journalist reported the collapse of World Trade Center 7, 20 mins, before it actually happened. The building was standing right behind her as she was reading the script, once they realized their "mistake" they suddenly lost contact. An "error" on their part they have claimed. After the event the US regime decided to invaded Afghanistan and Iraq.

[@Mark-yq4nr]

In many golfers and people who watch golf, Phil is undoubtedly the fans favorite. He means so much to golf, way more then the bunch of pga executives who just care about their own self interest. I can care less about pga. I am here to watch Phil play.

[@Pk-fi5hq]

So you don’t care about them beating up woman and you don’t care about 9/11 you have no morals and your ok about phill shirking his responsibility as a role model to the younger generation so they see phill playing in there tournaments so they think it’s ok to behave in that manner Phil cares about his bank balance he’s happy to ruin the history of golf and take money of woman beaters and murderers we’ll am not but then again I’ve got morals and I like the history of golf shouldn’t be tarnished in this way

[@markstone5593]

Never been a big fan of Phil, but becoming more of a fan every day. 30 plus years in the game, he deserves some respect, Its like he's on trial.

[@Pk-fi5hq]

He’s not on trial he’s already guilty of trying to wreck golf and bringing woman beaters and murderers into golf

[@gap949]

Allah Akbar ?

[@GWills-ys6rd]

Exactly, he's not on trial as he's making a commerical choice. If we are all so viruous then we should immediately stop driving cars that use oil from the Middle East.

[@Pk-fi5hq]

@@GWills-ys6rd there’s a difference from putting fuel in your car than inviting a tyrant into sport and trying to wreck the history of golf for his own greed

[@BB-fo5mr]

Paul Kerr was a little disgruntled boy who grew up without many friends. You are seeing the results of it in his comment tirades.

[@KasperViggoJensen]

It seems that Americans need a quick but thorough lesson on the relationship they have with Saudi Arabia, before they start chastising Phil Mickelson.

[@rhett8247]

Exactly!!! Well put.

[@TitoStraf]

Pretty simple you’re 100% correct!

[@muyuanma5449]

Such as buying oil from them and selling weapons to them.

[@andyw6996]

Yup. My dad worked in KSA as a civil engineer (we flew there to visit) and I was stationed there as a military advisor from 2006-2008. So true.

[@ajmojica2187]

The quicker the better, for everyone

[@carlherrera2572]

It takes great humility and courage to answer those questions. As a fan of the game I still respect the man.

[@tryingtobefairandobjective3480]

There is always one in the room

[@DoronBond]

@@tryingtobefairandobjective3480 yep that Christine chix is dufus

[@jonburrows8602]

Only he really answered nothing.

[@tannerfamily4152]

He didn’t answer anything. Avoided giving any actual answer. Except you know his facial hair answer. So sure.

[@DoronBond]

@@jonburrows8602 he owes you nothing!

[@NattyC123]

I didn't like phil before all this, but seeing everyone against him has made me wanna be in his corner. The amount of hypocrisy of some of these questions is insane

[@BB-fo5mr]

You couldn’t be more right. Particularly this presser, was less about LIV and more about the manipulative egos of the media. “Empowered” hypocritical questions and comments from weak, sneaky media members. Pathetic

[@gailforce2000]

Absolutely. I hated him now I like home. Can’t stand those PGA aristocrats who think their s$&t don’t stink. They need to be knocked down a few pegs

[@tbug5737]

Imagine him snaping on that 9/11 victims empathy question with: ask the US government as they are the ones selling them weapons. 🙂

[@stiggsmasta]

be great if he finally won a US Open this year. be a great statement on its own.

[@NattyC123]

@@stiggsmasta the world would explode. That would be so crazy hahaha

[@edhui88]

Nobody has to be apologetic, Phil is free to play anywhere he likes.

[@davidpress5892]

Give the Man a break ! He can do what ever the fuck he wants to do.

[@jonburrows8602]

He can do whatever he wants, but has to face the consequences of his actions, no breaks.

[@jimmystanbery2580]

@@jonburrows8602 did he do something illegal?

[@owennielsen9792]

@@jimmystanbery2580 no, but he didn’t do something good by getting into gambling debt and playing for a terrorist backed golf league

[@mercharris5266]

“Saudi backed” USA has no right to lecture any individual, or nation, on human rights. “Saudi backed” Biden is begging for oil while his propagandist lapdogs are doing their mocking bird routine. PGA is a political organization. They are woke and they’re promoting woke culture, a culture that is the most degenerate culture the world has ever seen.

[@Tullcrafts]

Why are we not allowed the same consideration? We too are free to do whatever we want and what we want to do is condemn someone working for a country that dismantled one of their citizens with a fucking chainsaw. Also, he is a fucking wimp afraid of real competition, so fuck Phil. But yes, Phil can work for the "scary motherfuckers" (his words) if he wants to. But we get to judge him. That's how the world works.

[@theequalizer707]

Again, here is a classic example of media turning things into something it isn't Barring players that have devoted a life to the tour is highly childish. Players should get to a position in their careers where they can choose where and when they want to play the game. Merely a flex by the tour. The media will always twist things into being something it is not. Kudos to the USGA for marching to the beat of their own drum.

[@balance3201]

Look what he's done for the game and he gets this. Hope he wins.

[@balance3201]

@Tony the us Open but doesn't seem like it

[@griffincollier6748]

I saw news reports and tweets about how phil in this press conference was embarrassing himself with some of his answers. Watching it now I saw none of that the only embarrassment I saw was by some of the reporters that asked absolutely ignorant and stupid questions. He responded in a way that didn’t offend anyone and honestly held back things you could see was definitely ticking him off. I personally would of not been able to handle it as well as he did. I honestly have more respect for him than I already did and I am rooting for him this week.

[@freshprinceofsolair]

@Wallace Smithfield what? literally his job to get money from golf. hes a professional golfer.. hes not an amateur.

[@StuMcClay]

I would love to see Phil do a B roll saying what he was really thinking, not what his publicist made him memorize.

[@johnnysanchez4996]

Right! Tell all these hypocrites to shut the fuck up!

[@cougar2013]

He’d say that it’s all a joke. No actual adults care about Saudi.

[@dmack7328]

Really he should tell them to fly a kite.

[@stevedavies1261]

Here it is, "Imma a money grubbing opportunistic whore, willing to betray the integrity that golf is to fill my pockets with blood $$$....Next question"

[@tomcole4736]

I dont think there are any pubilicists telling Phil what to do anymore. We need a maverick to break up this belief that all is good in the country club world of golf...its not. The "club" will take all your money if you let them

[@filecabinet827]

People realize he's a professional golfer and not a politician right?

[@scifisicko2390]

He'd make a great politician.

[@vharrald]

I agree... These "so-called" journalists are trying to make everything political. Phil is not a politician, he is a pro golfer

[@golfischaos6042]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you take a tough presser. Agree or disagree with him, Phil showed a lot of courage to take the questions, and more or less knocked this out of the park.

[@nate3721]

He was just really vague but I understand y when ur dealing with delusional liberals. Everyone with billions of dollars is evil. Plus they support killing babys and try to act like they have a higher moral ground...

[@armasrammo4793]

Play it again, listen carefully and then respond. Try to be somewhat analytical in terms of determining how far he knocked it. He chose to bunt even after two strikes, and then fouled it.

[@carlmessalle473]

@@armasrammo4793 He did not give the media what they wanted. They wanted a rise out of him and some controversial juicy comments they could spin up. He didn’t take the bait. We’re some of his responses lame and rehearsed? Sure. The growing the game comment was hilariously lame. I wish he would have said he was doing this as purely a business decision and nothing more; he was cashing in on his name brand he has developed for over 30 years. He has every right to cash in if someone is willing to pay, even if he did it on the PGA platform. Folks do that all the time. I know pilots that “used” the military for flight training and cashed out to go to the airlines. I know folks who jump ship from firm to firm, leveraging their past experiences at rival firms. Get it while you can…

[@georgehaggerty5581]

Knocked it out of the park? He took the questions and didn't answer any of them. Phil did what he always does, served his own interest and that's fine, but don't make him out to be some brave soul. He's an arrogant and very flawed individual who took a huge payday because he gambled away twice what the Saudis are going to pay him.

[@BB-fo5mr]

Armas and George have the combined IQ of 85? Maybe?...

[@mattfox5967]

PGA Tour and the media should take note. It is approaches like this and the nature of this press conference that makes me root even more for LIV golf. And I say that as someone who had no real opinion before this all came about.

[@mikedobson5308]

Lame

[@antonvanderbijl535]

Agree completely. It's like the PGA Tour are actively trying to lose fans at this point.

[@tjp5295]

Agree. LIV might bury the PGA tour and I’m almost rooting for it. Not because I have anything against the PGA tour, but because of how they handled this situation. They could just co exist with LIV but refuse too. It will be there downfall.

[@carlmessalle473]

@@tjp5295 Agree. I love the PGA tour but the bashing and “spoiled child” reaction to a viable competitor is almost making me root for LIV

[@scottvedder6236]

After listening to these questions from media, I've lost any respect for the profession.

[@Ryan-ht2wm]

Dang Phil respects a lot of people and their opinions

[@golfmaniac]

This press conference was a joke. These were reporters that were expressing their opinions in some vague form of a question. Just because they disagree with the choice he made, they want to crucify him. It is his life and his choice, not theirs.

[@MrTigerWoodsgolfer]

Absolutely agree. This is what is wrong with this world, journalists express their opinions and not give out facts

[@johnfuzz5179]

That’s all the media is is opinions. That’s why they’re ill relevant in today’s society. There are no journalists anymore. All these degrees they get in these liberal universities that are supposedly journalism are worthless. All we have to do is look back in history what true journalism looks like. Today it’s about opinions, money, and ratings. Journalism has been dead especially in the UK, where these reporters are arrogant,Ignorant I am absolutely stupid

[@bocfus72]

This is why I like Phil he really is a class act and handled himself well in the press conference!!

[@YouGotHousesWeGotMahomes]

He's a dork and lame

[@chezchezchezchez]

Would you have respected him if he decided to not do any interviews this week? I thought that was a possibility, didn’t you?

[@YouGotHousesWeGotMahomes]

@@chezchezchezchez I just don't respect him in general. He underachieved most of his career and basically led a privileged arrogant life. Zero respect.

[@ethad123]

@@YouGotHousesWeGotMahomes 6 majors, 45 PGA tour victories. Could he have won more majors, absolutely but I don’t understand why you think he underachieved

[@BB-fo5mr]

Talk about BS rhetoric. You don’t know what “privilege” means, nor arrogant. Self righteous, self serving comment - for a weak ego.

[@antonvanderbijl535]

Phil is a class act. Journalists grilling him about LIV and Saudi's are absolutely ridiculous and handling it with the patience and grace that he has here is phenomonal.

[@willjones6061]

Phil is a bum glad to take millions he doesn’t need from a regime which beheads.

[@antonvanderbijl535]

@Yerba Terro Quite the opposite

[@GWills-ys6rd]

The USGA seems to have made a very smart move by remaining impartial. Phil Mickelson is a respected professional golfer making a commercial choice, he's not the President of the United States of America. Although some people may now believe that he is. True golfers will remain 100% supportive of Phil Mickelson as they respect his achievements in golf and only golf!

[@amalfi460]

The USA has armed the Saudi to the teeth but Phil is the bad guy for playing golf on their tour. Seems like the reporters were disappointed that tomatoes weren’t provided to throw at phil

[@STELLASCUTENESS]

To the people from elsewhere who speak to American hypocrisy, Americans don’t support their government much anymore. Almost ZERO support of Biden and the swamp (both parties). They tell us to be outraged by Saudi while they enrich them at our expense. A few generations ago they were Bedouins. Now, they have enough money to destabilize the world. We should walk away from the rest of the world and see how they manage things on their own. We’ll still be here when they need to be saved again.

[@tylertran93nsx]

And Saudi wasn’t involved in 9/11?? 😂😂

[@fredlee4250]

Glad to see that he plays at US open. Right thing for US Open to let Phil to play.

[@Pk-fi5hq]

He’s trying to wreck golf for his own greed

[@katking6820]

Tiger gets to bang chicks two at a time get DUI’s do drugs and booze but hey that’s fine . Phil says all the right things for 30yrs makes a mistake and he’s the greedy guy that’s never given anything to golf . Wonder what could possibly be the difference?

[@anodizervintage9622]

@@Pk-fi5hq like you would do it any different. Did you drive your car today? thanks the Saudis dude

[@acbower4468]

@@Pk-fi5hq by getting the Saudis to play golf, or do anything western for that matter, it gets them further away from a theologian way of life and a more western perspective…and it’s not any different than the WGC playing the HSBC in China.

[@Pk-fi5hq]

@@anodizervintage9622 you no nothing about me your assuming I drive your assuming the country I live in gets oil from Saudi which they don’t a lot of assumptions from an utter clown who agrees with having woman beaters and murderous tyrants in golf pipe down don’t speak to me until you find your morals 🖕

[@HelptheBroncos]

I lived well for 20 years...my kids and their grand kids kids will live well. Drop the mic Phil.

[@tayloredwards2847]

This felt like an ambush of a press conference. I think Phil handled it the best he possibly could. Still, it was very disappointing to see the press create a singular narrative of Phil being some sort of demon who has been excommunicated in some way. The man is human and is not a terrible person for making a decision to play golf outside of the PGA.

[@hernandezm8484]

Ambush? The dude had like 4 months since he last talked to the media. He knew this was coming, in no way was this an ambush lol. If anything he was getting frustrated for being asked good journalistic questions. I thought he handled himself well, but he was not ambushed, and lets not throw the media under the bus for asking tough questions that all of us are thinking.

[@tayloredwards2847]

@@hernandezm8484 appreciate your perspective, but the repetitive nature of the questions was petty and they were not asking questions I was thinking. I'd actually like to know more of his thoughts around this week and his chances etc. He was on trial at this PC and he's not deserving of it IMO. You are right in that he seemed prepared to answer most of these questions, but there were multiple attempts to get a reaction from Phil which is what I am referring to when I say ambush. The media has an agenda and they are just after the sound bite or viral clip opportunity.

[@markkropf8295]

Amen!

[@BusterMcCheese]

So he just should have been congratulated and praised for taking a payoff from a terrorist nation to support his gambling addiction? He was annoyed at any question he didn’t really want to answer and whined about multiple parts in questions which eventually he didn’t really answer. Thank god there were actual reporters there and not just fangirls like you.

[@giii7599]

"Forty years ago, it was considered by some a risky move for the guys who play professional golf to break away from the group created for golf professionals." This was about the PGA Tour splitting from The PGA of America in 1969. "The golf breakup occurred largely because of the influx of money that television had started to pump into the game. The top players (Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer among them) wanted to use the additional TV money to pump up the purses." "The PGA of America wanted to put the money in the general fund. That's when the compromise was reached, with the golf professionals and the professional golfers going their separate ways." Sounds a bit like today... The PGA tour categorized itself as a non profit so it could avoid hundreds of millions in tax revenue. That decision is now haunting them since it also means they can't hand out guaranteed money contracts like other professional sports.The LIV tour is doing exactly that so it's not surprising top level golfers want guaranteed money. If someone loses their PGA tour card they're gone with very little support. I don't see how you can treat people as independent contractors and then complain when they go elsewhere.

[@stevepocock3139]

Brilliantly put….

[@johnserrano8683]

Facts! Nice mate'

[@katking6820]

Absolutely perfect & don’t forget the PGA for yrs routinely gave their blessing for PGA TOUR PLAYERS TO TAKE SAUDI APPEARANCE FEES!!! So much for the high ground.

[@zoots15]

Your statement rings true. However , what I respected most about pro golfers, compared to other athletes, was that there was no guaranteed money. They had to actually perform to earn their paycheck.

[@danhoyles]

Think the big difference is the way LIV is funded. PGA Tour or PGA of America grew with PGA players and public's interest in them generating revenues. Jack, Arnold, Tiger and others grew the PGA business where they are. With LIV, sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia is funding the start of this league. There something kind a unnatural about an entity with tons of money swooping in offering crazy amount of cash to poach players. You can see this in body language of PGA players jumping to LIV. Like they feel something is off. And its a foreign entity, a country often having geopolitical interest that often conflict with ours. So what, PGA is not perfect, monopoly, old, whatever...etc why not go to Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Warren Buffet to start a new American golf tour? Or why not start some sort of PGA players union? Not sure if there is one, if there is one can they strengthen it? Get Tiger involved. Why take money from Saudi Arabia with all the people, entities, countries money can come from, Saudi Arabia? to start a sports league featuring American players? That's my main question. Were there really no other options except to take money from Saudi Arabia?

[@jimwilson7447]

I was fortunate to play w Phil in the Pro Am in Memphis about 7 yrs ago. He is a GREAT guy… liked him before but even more so after… knew all our names starting on first tee and engaged w us solidly for all 18 holes. Go Phil!!

[@williamrowland8997]

I've been out watching Phil at various tournaments and your're right, he is a crowd favorite and inter-acts with fans and players--he can chase $$$$ just like Jim Nantz and all the rest of the GC yappers. If he would win this week they would all love him again---sad

[@mattlord3660]

I also played with Phil in a charity golf event at St. Andrews back in the day. He showed up drunk and constantly berated his caddy for not being able to find his ball. He stormed off on the 12th tee saying he hated the weather and the beer was too warm. Weird dude.

[@turby6905]

Glad u r playing in the open Phil. Hope u enjoy the week.

[@jimiverson3085]

He should have a nice flight home on Friday night.

[@BB-fo5mr]

Creepy photo there bub, may want to think about changing it.

[@chiparmy5498]

Weird. It's almost as though U.S. citizens are blaming an entire race of people for their problems. This talent Phil has is his to use as he sees fit, to make a living. This is a individual sport. For large groups of people to just beat this guy down? It's disgusting. To me he's a hero.

[@TheDocdan1966]

Phil is the man!

[@tonytee4633]

I've been a Phil Fanatic for over 20 years and plan to keep that status that I have earned. Best to Phil, family & friends.

[@kolte_breck]

Yep! People try too hard to bring politics into Golf to create reactions and headlines. It's golf, it's a game, leave it at that.

[@YouGotHousesWeGotMahomes]

Lame

[@genxray951]

@@kolte_breck Phil brought the politics into it.

[@Bobby-rq5eg]

What did you learn about yourself Phil in the last four month? That I’m a greedy bastard with absolutely no morals and I try to use my wife as an excuse to get away with stuff;)

[@cqaqa]

@@Bobby-rq5eg That's the best comment on this side. I agree!!!!!!!

[@BillMcGirr]

I don’t care what ANY haters say. Period. Phil has EVERY RIGHT to do as he sees fit. The PGA can pound sand. A man should serve NO master. Ever.👍🥃

[@Goonicorns]

He sure was serving the kingdom of saudi arabia this weekend lmao

[@BillMcGirr]

@@Goonicorns Here in America we sell LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS in high tech military technology, training and equipment to the Saudi Royal family. Every year… Decade after decade. But… muh… derp…. Golf. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 How adorable.👍🥃

[@BillMcGirr]

@@Goonicorns Oh… and did I mention our “president” is headed there shortly to BEG for oil???? But… 🤮… golf guy bad.🤣🤣🤣🤷‍♂️🥃

[@spooge33]

@@Goonicorns Just like the USA baby!!!!

[@davidkim3854]

Phil has earned the right to do what he wants.

[@Kaymeron]

I don’t like Phil at all - never have. But I respect the way he stood up and answered all of those questions - especially the personal ones. Some things, frankly, are no one’s business but his.

[@WOODLASE]

I think you're becoming a Phil fan and don't realize it...

[@washredskin887]

I don't like the guy either. We all know he is a phony son of a bitch. When the camera is on he is all smiles. When the camera is off he is a totally different guy.

[@chrisveal3586]

Phil is a legend

[@chrisveal3586]

@@1p4g Awwwww. Are you just jealous of the fact that he has accomplished so much in his career and has earned the right to pick and choose when and where he wants to play?? He owes you nothing.

[@edearden]

Can you imagine if the media asked these types questions to Pepa Joe Biden?

[@STELLASCUTENESS]

Underrated comment!

[@ThePhd1629]

Imagine if the media asked Trump if he caused the Insurrection? Orange clown

[@brainlife]

I can't imagine anyone who loves Phil would abandone him under any circumstances. He is human like the rest of us and that is what we love about him. Amazing if he won this thing. Now that would be a real story.

[@josiekaposie5783]

You love him because he is a human

[@robertveith6383]

That is a ridiculous post! Anyone who could be treasonous and/or side with a country that provided most of the murderers for 9/11 can easily be dropped from someone's list of likes.

[@burtsuda3268]

Here on saipan island, love ones and all comes first as reminded growing up',, cheers Phil and USGA'

[@rerickf]

When he tees off on Thursday, he will receive massive amount of cheers when his name is called

[@MurphyKargesBass]

Let’s hope so.. I think they will

[@neilmckechnie6638]

Ya think! He'll get bood and will probably walk off the course in a self-entitled huff.

[@drinkinhand5538]

@@neilmckechnie6638 Cheers of RAT

[@neilmckechnie6638]

@Jackie Jay The beered-up mash potato shouters will be out in force.

[@MrBensthejet]

Respect to this guy for maintaining his composure. The questions were well below the line and he more than held his own. Leave it to golf, he's not a politician ffs.

[@gtaylor9218]

This is the first time he has talked to the American press since his comments to shipnuck came out. They are due the right to ask away

[@BB-fo5mr]

No one said they don’t have a right to ask questions. The point is, they are sneaky, conniving weasels asking these questions. RESPECT for keeping his composure. That was the point, clearly... But if you must - use rhetoric to make yourself feel better.

[@MrBensthejet]

@Josh House josh, maybe the public should ask what multi billionaire dollar arms deals the US government has negotiates with Saudi.

[@rustycan69]

It's simply amazing these reporters are more interested in political comments than asking a professional golfer about professional golf. Good job Phil responding to these political hacks.

[@AANDYG2010]

If you get in bed with people who kill journalists then you have to expect to be asked about it

[@carlmessalle473]

Everyone here uses Saudi oil or products created by Saudi oil. Everyone here uses Chinese made products. Yes, Saudi’s and Chinese dictator policies are horrible and run by horrible people but everyone who is throwing this out there -> get off your hypocritical high horse and come down from your ivory tower and look in the morror

[@MrTigerWoodsgolfer]

And that is what is wrong with this world. The journalists are no longer reporting facts. They are sensationalist and try and create news by hype. People read this hype and base their opinion on it without really knowing what they are talking about, yet the hypocrites still fund the regimes they slag off by purchasing products they sell. Journalists and hypocrites are what is wrong with this world, not Phil. I am behind you Phil, always have been from UK

[@mphommopi3728]

It’s sickening. This is a sport for crying sake.

[@JJJJ-dc3np]

Sports writers have 2 main qualities: they are hive thinkers and very very low IQ. Notice how they all ask questions of the same variety? They are laughably dumb. Yet these seasoned veterans like Phil treat them politely. It shows some real class on the part of Mickelson.

[@sethlover6498]

PHIL STOP APOLOGIZING!!! DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT FOR YOU!!! ALL THESE PEOPLE QUESTIONING YOU DO NOT GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOU!!! BE A MAN AND STAND FIRM AND SPEAK YOUR POSITION!!

[@alexchavez1418]

This tournament is going to get so many more viewers and make it so much more exciting by allowing him to play. Way to go USOpen 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@BillMcGirr]

Absolutely.💪👍🥃

[@MarkArnold92660]

They had to let everyone who had already qualified play in this one. Won’t be the case next year.

[@stevedavies1261]

Hey dumb-dumb, the PGA has nothing to do management/oversight with any of the US based majors... So the US Open is doing nothing heroic by allowing him to play...

[@krisjohansen9132]

And playing LIV doesn't add to your global standings which is how they determine invites to the Majors. These guys could be out for good

[@dahlflynn2431]

@@MarkArnold92660 It will be the same next year, the PGA doesn't control the US open, the USGA does, the same applies to the British Open, the R&A controls that tournament. Augusta National controls the Masters. The PGA doesn't have any say in the matter. Now politically the PGA can put pressure on these institutions, but ultimately the PGA will just have to take a back seat. The only Major that the PGA can say these players can't play in is the actual PGA Major.

[@bwestby1]

I think some of these reporters are very respectful. And some just have a vengeance out towards Phil which doesn’t do anyone any good. Even if you hate Phil or disagree. It doesn’t help the situation. Plus it’s not like Phil is going to answer these tough questions any more thoroughly than he has already.

[@carlmessalle473]

The reporters were “doing their job” ….. some of the questions were challenging and appropriate but a few were just crossing the line to inflammatory. Phil didn’t give them what they wanted…..they wanted a rise / outburst and Phil didn’t bite. Numerous Modern journalists have crossed the line from reporting the news to pushing a political agenda and getting tasty sound bites of controversy. Phil bit his tongue and muddled his way through his lashing by several media hacks. This is getting old.

[@weekendwarrior7117]

I hope he beats the hell out of this course and the entire field. Go Phil

[@tryingtobefairandobjective3480]

He should do well. A field of over the hill, greedy, selfish sub-humans on the planet. Oh. The PGA. Misses the cut. Bet on it Phil.

[@johnnysanchez4996]

@@tryingtobefairandobjective3480 I think he was talking about the US Open, dummy. Lmao!

[@katking6820]

@@tryingtobefairandobjective3480 you would be broke betting against Phil & you think the PGA isn’t nervous as hell to have competition.Look at who the PGA TOUR HAS TAKEN $$$ from & then get back to us ;)

[@drdontpassone8164]

odds he makes 36 hole cut plus 120.......................................book it ddp1

[@stevedavies1261]

Not a fcking chance... If he makes the cut, the golfing world will be shocked

[@davidmeier8860]

Does the PGA Tour own the game of golf? They seem to think so.

[@mvubu6823]

Don't confuse the PGA, the USGA and PGA TOUR.

[@davidmeier8860]

I never have, but thanks

[@mvubu6823]

@@davidmeier8860 well the PGA hasn't said a word about the situation, so your statement is sort of pointless

[@jonburrows8602]

@@mvubu6823 Just amazing how people like David refuse to own up to their mistakes.

[@davidmeier8860]

You're right Nancy... It's the Tour. Sorry for the confusion.

[@ballofcrust7706]

@21:35 phil should ask him what he's done to grow the respect and desire to answer media questions 😂

[@markkropf8295]

These journalists are ridiculous! Let's just say that I respect Phil for putting up with crap with grace! If that's what he gets for walking away then it's clear that he made the right decision.

[@chasemay9957]

Those reporters were trying so hard to eat at Phil that whole 25 minutes. Good job by Phil for fending them off with classy responses.

[@VLind-uk6mb]

By ignoring the questions, you mean. If I heard him say he respected this, that or the other one more time, I would have vomited.

[@nathanschrock2402]

Love how he's handling the critics. Respect and love for all opinions.

[@mattlamantia5825]

The saudis are one of the US' closest allies and trading partners. Such an unreasonable attack on the golfers. Scapegoating at its finest.

[@pcolli01]

100%

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

LOL. Closest allies. Murder and terrorism. Nice.

[@juanpabloramirez1536]

Exactly! Thank you!

[@multitippers]

Closest allies ? 🤣🤣🤣 With friends like that who needs enemies huh

[@chevy4x466]

They got their money by selling us oil that we needed. The idea that their money is dirty according to the west. This is bigotry at its purist.

[@dannyhogs6915]

Phil handled these nonsense questions so well.

[@andrewtaylor4664]

Long time fan and still am a fan of this gentleman despite his being controversial at times.

[@davidbrentwood1070]

I must admit I respect the honesty when asked what LIV offers that the PGA doesn't. Paraphrasing he said butt load of cash for doing much less of the same job. We all want this and most of us would jump on it in a heartbeat.

[@davidwu1623]

Phil decision is his decision and his alone. We might or might not agree to his decision. One thing we can't ignored is what he did to his game and vice versa. Game has been good to him and he has also been good to the game. Good for him and wish him to win this week and capture career grand slam.

[@spooge33]

Never been a Phil fan but, I hope he makes a statement with his clubs.

[@johnleonard974]

He’s 52 please

[@BB-fo5mr]

He beat everyone in the world and won a major last year John Leonard. Spare the rhetoric, wake up genius.

[@washredskin887]

@@BB-fo5mr That was over a year ago. SInce then he can't break par. He is like 20 over in 6 rounds playing LIV. The guy has checked out. He played awful at the US Open.

[@OpTicRittenhouse]

I stand with Phil ✊🏿

[@Drew039]

Watching today's press conference reaffirms my feelings towards Phil. The Christine Brennan question was ludicrous and he handled it with class. Phil could have ducked and dodged the golf media's reckless questioning, but he stood tall like a man. I watched LIV last weekend and enjoyed the competition, will do so going forward. USGA, do not follow the PGA Tour's lead and ban these players. It will ruin your legacy, not theirs.

[@billhabansky5819]

Especially considering the malicious hack job she did on him last week in her article I read in USA TODAY!! Just another over the top opinion piece. “If I disagree with you, you’re wrong and I’m right!”

[@RedClayFH]

What was ludicrous about it. The journalist was doing her job. Its the elephant in the room. If she didnt ask the hard questions she night as well give up.

[@carlmessalle473]

@@RedClayFH Journalists can certainly ask any question they feel is relevant and needed. Phil can answer the questions anyway he feels is best. If you can criticize Phil, we can also criticize the media.

[@RedClayFH]

@@carlmessalle473 I didnt criticise Phil.

[@williamsmith741]

The members of the press here are horrible!! I give Phil an A+ on how he handled this, well done lefty!

[@danoiddano6891]

Never knew golf was so political. Phil don’t give in to the cancel culture that’s gone crazy here in america.

[@bobbygoodman2875]

The guy's 51 years old and been an ambssador for the PGA for 30 years. I know many who after 30 years retired and did contract work for rival companies. They and Phil have earned the right. Those who tried to drown Phill in guilt with the 911 slant need to grow up and blame those who are the ones responsible. Did they ever try to shame this President? Did they ever attack the US golfers who played Tournaments in SA in the past? Have they gone after DJ, Kevin Na, Bryson Dechambeau...will they turn on Pat Perez or Fowler when he signs on? WHY is Phil the focus of so much venom from everywhere? Phil should be allowed to play when and where ever the hell he wants; otherwise, a life-time membership means equat. Have the PGA ever opened their books? Where does all their money go? It is a secret society that now wants use it's clout to bully independent contractors against their will. I don't truly believe the LIV thing will last beyond 3 years. I tried watching and it couldn't hold my attention. The PGA is still the Gold Standard and that's what I watch. It blows LIV away and will be their demise. At best it will be a home where those with dwindling go to get rich. In the mean time, get off Mickkeson's back.

[@genxray951]

even the saudis are going to get bored really fast pumping that much money into a second rate series.

[@Bobby-rq5eg]

What did you learn about yourself Phil in the last four month? That I’m a greedy bastard with absolutely no morals and I try to use my wife as an excuse to get away with stuff;)

[@carlmessalle473]

@@Bobby-rq5eg Phil: “I’m sorry, could you repeat that question, I was distracted because I was counting my ~$200M”

[@armasrammo4793]

Had Phil been forthright from the very beginning about his reasons for his choices, then he would have simply gone into the night carrying his 200 million, ok, bye bye. But no, he decided to F the PGA. Listen to his nonsense about him now growing the game. Is he taking the game to coastal Africa and starting a development academy there? LOL, and his words that the LIV is offering a transformative vision of golf. Listen to his crock about growing the game in London. He is simply talking utter nonsense shite.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

It's a generous interpretation, and I commend you for it. But I just see a guy who took his pieces of silver and doesn't have the guts to just own it: "I'm greedy beyond your comprehension and that's all I care about."

[@murdocks4304]

Well done Phil. Your one of the greatest players and ambassadors the pga tour has had. You handled These questions taken from the extreme minority used in context as the majority is a lesson for the rest of the world. Leaving this form of “journalism” extinct one day. Great job Phil! I see a slam in your future. Go get it brother. Control those irons and win it on the greens. Best to you and your family.

[@Mygolfshots1984]

No more apologies, Phil. They were just jealous of the calves all along.

[@winonebud]

DO WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.....THAT GOES FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING PHIL MICKELSON.

[@krisjohansen9132]

Really?! He needs more for his family? 🤣😅😆😁😄😆🤣😄😃😃🤣 😒Whatever

[@davidtalbot9325]

I am SO worried for his family. Thank God he has prioritized the feeding and clothing of his family! BLESS YOU, PHIL!!!

[@dognowork]

Maybe the $40 million he has gambled away could better have served his family’s welfare ? He’s an addict, pure and simple.

[@landon776]

Dude the only people that are upset are the media NO ONE ELSE

[@georgesealy4706]

Right, the are like sharks looking for blood in the water and going crazy when they find it. Evil people.

[@BB-fo5mr]

political or sports... the media is a cancer.

[@landon776]

100% just trying to get him to slip up so they can try and get him thrown out of us open. Disgusting behavior just disgusting

[@theelmagoo]

Love you Phil, love what you're doing for the game and the efforts your making! Also excellent handling of some incredibly obnoxious questions!

[@michaelmanassy5652]

Win this week Phil! Finish the grand slam and make this week one of the greatest golf stories of all time!

[@hollywoodswingr6645]

Dude a PHIL WIN would be EPIC !!

[@IndepenisDay]

God I hope phil wins

[@genxray951]

Tied for 33rd, in a field with a lot of blokes who were barely making the cut on the pga tour. but i'm glad he's going to compete in the us open. chances don't look good though.

[@jonburrows8602]

He won't even make the cut.

[@martysykes3221]

@@jonburrows8602 I hate it, but I would have to agree with you.

[@fredlesteros7668]

Go Phil 💫 Be strong 💪

[@cqaqa]

Go Phil 💫 Be strong 💪And greedy🤑

[@towerpower6867]

@@cqaqa hypocrite

[@williamwallace3931]

Numbnut

[@jettparcher2234]

Vomit

[@cqaqa]

Numbnut

[@Friedasboss2001]

Dude is definitely going through something in his personal life.

[@johnsolly5838]

He sold it and has to answer questions about it. Cry

[@marybetheby5184]

Called getting 200 mil wired to his bank account...

[@andyw6996]

yeah, a tsunami hit his bank account, that's what happened.

[@cma3436]

Phil's got stuff going on like everyone else. What he also has a hypocritical mob coming after him and he knows he can't say what he truly thinks because it will only get worse for him and his family. I can't wait for so many other PGA players to make the switch to the LIV tour and see how this media circus evolves. What a bunch of hypocrites.

[@onwingsofshadow]

He is. He has a known gambling addiction.

[@markconner6641]

GO PHIL!

[@jaykuckuck9986]

Phil has been a positive factor for golf ⛳ I think he will continue to be a good thing for golf. He has delivered great golf moments 👍

[@katking6820]

Hope Phil gets a W @ the US Open!

[@ethad123]

I honestly hope he just makes the cut

[@jimiverson3085]

@@ethad123 That 75-76 combo he threw up on a much easier course says that's very unlikely.

[@williamwallace3931]

No chance at all!!! Phil must feel good that he can get paid millions of dollars just to show up and still finish toward the bottom of the leaderboard, which is exactly what happened at LIV tournament. He made millions off his name sake rather than actually playing good in the league. Tells you why he supports it and why he left the PGA for it.

[@stevedavies1261]

@@williamwallace3931 Yup, where else can a former Major contender have a payday like his LIV $$$$ - 'cause he ain't gonna be earning it by winning... But listen to his deflections regarding the blood money he's getting... He should just quit golf and run for politics....Clearly, it's his true calling...

[@ethad123]

Not disagreeing with you all, its highly unlikely with his recent absence, I seen his rounds last weekend. In fairness I did emphasize the word hope.

[@SOUNDBOY.]

Live your life phil.

[@peteramato9331]

Phil is the man .no body is going to boo .I'm picking you to get you're first US OPEN.

[@jameschristianson821]

Phil has done so much for the game of golf and has earned the right to this opportunity.

[@javierblanco4858]

¿Oportunidad de seguir amasando más dólares?.......

[@johnpetrig6949]

If Tiger changes his mind and joins LIV I'd like to see the PGA try and suspend him.

[@sc0ttr0]

Not leaving Phil. He's human. It goes to show how a person get's vilified for defying an organizations as strong as the PGA. The competition is healthy, not harmful.

[@robertveith6383]

He's human? So what! He is not making a "mistake." He is making a willful, deliberate choice, and should suffer the consequences that the PGA are assessing. You and every other poster in the forum that states "he's human" show how you cannot argue properly.

[@sc0ttr0]

​@@robertveith6383 I'm not arguing with anybody. Your response shows how ready you are to argue. If the PGA wants to suspend people for not playing with them, maybe it should suspend European Tour or Asian Tour players from competing in PGA events as well. Maybe they should refuse to allow players to play in The Open each year.

[@sc0ttr0]

@@robertveith6383 I never said "mistake". Maybe you can point that out to me where I did, otherwise, stop projecting onto me. These men are doing what they are doing and making piles of cash from it. Many of them, and I mean MOST of them, are plenty talented enough to maintain a PGA card AND rake in this windfall...but no. The PGA says "OUR WAY OR NO WAY".

[@hatzlmike1]

Good stuff

[@percybyssheshelly]

I love Phil’s Hollywood Hogan look.

[@cma3436]

Hell yeah, don't think that black gear is an accident. Amy likes it too. 😉 Go Phil! F the media.

[@brettdavenport7583]

DJ is Kevin Nash and Bryson is Scott Hall

[@eddien9634]

After watching Phil and how he's carried himself in these brutal conferences, I am now a huge Phil fan. He's always been an elite player, and apparently an extremely decent human being.

[@RobLowdown0]

Glad to see Phil back!

[@stevedavies1261]

Yup, especially that drawn, haggard look....If we are lucky, it's terminal cancer.....

[@RobLowdown0]

@@stevedavies1261 be careful, your words may come back on yourself.

[@mikeglynn5824]

Stand up guy like him or not he stood up there took the slings and arrows that’s called integrity.

[@stevedavies1261]

Funny how taking Saudi blood money for historical and current human rights transgression is the antithesis of integrity... You fcking dope...

[@kickflippingintogolf4228]

This conference is pretty funny, how the "journalists" are stating that the American public is upset with Phil... YA RIGHT. Phil's legacy is just fine, but I get that the journalists are upset.

[@caltom1427]

Keep playing Phil. You are great for the game and free to play when and where you want.

[@JimmyWhite1967]

Yeah, go ahead and play for one of the most horrific anti human rights regimes in the world. Their blood is on your hands now, Phil!

[@JimmyWhite1967]

@Travel Crawl Yep 👍

[@williamfry1848]

Always been a Phil fan. It would be great if he would win the US Open. What would happen then?

[@genxray951]

LOL, I applaud your optimism, but at this point with so many failures at the us open, ain't gonna happen. plus he just finished T33rd in the lIV event, with marginal competition.

[@chezchezchezchez]

What would happen then? They would give him the trophy. Are you new to golf?

[@stevedavies1261]

Ah silly Billy, still believe in Santa Claus, The Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny too?

[@spooge33]

Since Cheseborough was the only one to give an answer, I'll add that he would take the trophy and say, Suck It!!! But his aggressive style of play works against a typical US Open layout.

[@michaelparsons541]

@@spooge33 I would also add that he’d have US Open exemption for the next 5 years, at least, it might be more, but I don’t completely remember. I do know that the Masters champ has a lifetime exemption.

[@jacqueslaubscher1800]

Word of the day....RESPECT

[@acousticreate]

I thought it was Opportunity lol

[@GolfNut867]

Go Phil!

[@Optunity]

Love Phil. Live it up. Live the way you want. Do what you want.

[@nealfreeman01]

He did great. He stood there and took the arrows... I would like to see him with the Key and Peele president translator though just to shut the "gotcha" media that were trying to derail him.

[@joeschmomofo5020]

Kick ass Phil!!!! Ignore the bullies and haters 👍

[@stevedavies1261]

He can try, but when he misses the cut, which he will, we in the golfing world will rejoice...

[@rcaldw]

I wish he would have responded, "I appreciated Rory's comments about human rights violations as he sat on a podium in Canada wearing Nike gear."

[@BB-fo5mr]

BINGO! (Not to mention Rory taking up residence in the UAE! To void taxes!!)

[@wilddog2845]

This professional golfer, Phil, is one of the best ever. I don’t know anyone that has turned down a payday. He plays golf for a living. Brandely..lol…On golf Channel, makes comments, about life in Saudi, women’s rights have been given. Although, I don’t agree with some of their ways, the country has been progressive. Much more than China, that could care or less, and the PGA chooses to turn a blind eye. Just saying.

[@seabasssimpson4547]

He also owes his bookies and that vig is a bitch to cover.

[@robertveith6383]

You don't "agree with some of their ways" such as their rights abuses, having most of the murderers in 9/11, etc. You are disingenuous up to the max.

[@theliftexpert]

Phil is an independent contractor as per the pga employment system, so he decided to join the other 38.7 billion dollars and take up a contract with LIV …..I give him full marks for taking the deal . U.S.-Saudi Arabia Trade Facts U.S. goods and services trade with Saudi Arabia totaled an estimated $38.7 billion in 2019. Exports were $23.9 billion; imports were $14.9 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade surplus with Saudi Arabia was $9.0 billion in 2019.

[@CKGolfer]

Hey Phil, do you know what the A in pga and usga stand for?

[@carlmessalle473]

Yes…….America. A place where capitalism can get you your fair value for services rendered. Go get paid Phil. Just wish you were honest and admitted this was 99% a business decision and nothing else…..

[@ghostfox7400]

The Saudi bots are everywhere. Nothing but praise for Phil and LIV under any related golf videos all over youtube.

[@kevin1873]

We stand and support you, Phil, and wish you the best of luck moving forward no matter where you play golf.

[@michaelsparks8632]

Phil has been handling these last few weeks like a Pro. Is He perfect, no and neither am I? I don't want to know about his personal life or some of the mistakes he's made. I just want to watch him play golf, he is a class act and has done great things for golf. The press is trying their best to make a controversy around Phil's decisions and I personally don't give a shit about all that. Good Luck Phil, I would love to see you win The US Open.

[@josephwilliams1905]

"Well done Lefty". A wonderful demeanor at the press conference that often tried to rankle you.

[@ianmac3648]

KING OF GREED , hope your proud of yourself