Phil Mickelson said he is playing in next week’s U.S. Open.
The member of the World Golf Hall of Fame also said he plans to play in all eight of the LIV Golf Invitational Series events this year, beginning Thursday in the inaugural tournament at the Centurion Club outside of London.
And Mickelson said he will not resign his PGA Tour membership.
In a wide-ranging, exclusive interview with Bob Harig of SI.com/Morning Read posted Monday, the winner of 45 PGA Tour titles and six major championships broke his silence of nearly four months to address a number of topics.
Mickelson, 51, has been in a self-imposed exile since disparaging remarks he made about the PGA Tour’s “dictatorship” and the horrendous human rights record of the oppressive Saudi Arabia regime which is backing the upstart LIV Golf Invitational Series spearheaded by Greg Norman became public.
Mickelson last played on the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. He missed the Masters and the PGA Championship, where he would have defended his title won in 2021 on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island when he became the oldest player to ever win a major.
“It’s been a tremendous opportunity for me to spend time with (wife) Amy and loved ones that I’ve never really had this opportunity to do in my life,” Mickelson said about his time away from the game. “I’ve been able to be much more present and engaged when I’m with the people I love. I feel much more healthy and at peace. I’ve spent a lot of time doing therapy and dealing with issues that I have.
“But I’ve come away with a balance in my life and a renewed excitement and energy to get back to playing golf.”
Harig asked 16 questions in a phone interview before Mickelson boarded a plane to fly to London. Mickelson said he’s excited about the team format LIV Golf is presenting, the 54-hole, no-cut, 48-man fields that will play eight events featuring more than $255 million in prize money.
“I think after doing this for 30 years, I’m excited about something new and this different format,” Mickelson told SI.com/Morning Read. “And at this point in my life, just as importantly, it gives some balance in my life for Amy and I.
“This motivates me to work hard and compete. But it also gives me time and opportunity to have the balance in my life that I’m looking forward to doing with (wife) Amy and that I’ve always wanted to do. I’m excited for the opportunities both on the golf course and off.”
Mickelson said he has not spoken with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who did not grant releases to any player to participate in the inaugural event. In addition to Mickelson, the field includes Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Louis Oosthuizen and Kevin Na.
The league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, poses a threat to the PGA Tour and Monahan said disciplinary action will be taken against any player who plays in the LIV Golf Invitational Series. As well, controversy surrounds Saudi Arabia’s human rights atrocities including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and regular beheadings.
“I certainly do not condone human rights violations,” Mickelson said. “And addressing what happened to Jamal Khashoggi is awful. But I have seen the good that game of golf has done throughout history. And I really believe that LIV can be good for the game of golf as well.”
As for his future standing with the PGA Tour, Mickelson said he hopes to keep his lifetime membership (earned with a minimum of 20 wins and 15 years on the PGA Tour).
“I’m certainly grateful for the 30-plus years that I’ve had with the PGA Tour. The many memories and experiences that I’ve shared,” Mickelson said. “And I’d like to think that I contributed to the PGA Tour over that time. And I have earned a lifetime membership. I’m hopeful that stays the same. I also feel it’s important for any player to have the right to play wherever they want, in addition to me being able to keep my lifetime membership.”
Mickelson also addressed his financial status and reports his gambling has jeopardized his standard of living.
“My gambling got to a point of being reckless and embarrassing. I had to address it. And I’ve been addressing it for a number of years,” he said. “And for hundreds of hours of therapy. I feel good where I’m at there. My family and I are and have been financially secure for some time.
“Gambling has been part of my life ever since I can remember. But about a decade ago is when I would say it became reckless. It’s embarrassing. I don’t like that people know. The fact is I’ve been dealing with it for some time. Amy has been very supportive of it and with me and the process. We’re at a place after many years where I feel comfortable with where that is. It isn’t a threat to me or my financial security. It was just a number of poor decisions.”
As for his golf game, Mickelson said he didn’t touch a club for a few months. During his time away from the game, there was just one short video posted to social media of him swinging a club.
“When I came back, I started playing really well,” he said. “And I found myself on the golf course much more calm. Shooting some good scores. I’m working with (swing coach) Andrew (Getson) and I’m excited about playing. But I’m uncertain how I will play given that I haven’t played in a few months.
“But I’m optimistic.”
