Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has confirmed he'll join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series, which gets underway in Hertfordshire on June 9.
A provisional list of 42 players had already been confirmed for the competition's inaugural event at the Centurion Club this month. However, Mickelson and Rickie Fowler have now been confirmed as part of the PGA exodus.
The LIV Golf Invitational Series will provide competition for the PGA Tour with eight planned events this year, each boasting $25million (£20m) in prize money. Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood are among those to already confirm they'll join the breakaway league.
The LIV Golf Invitational Series is funded by LIV Golf Investments, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The same sovereign wealth fund completed the takeover of Premier League outfit Newcastle United in October 2021, leading to accusations of 'sportswashing'.
Mickelson came in for criticism earlier this year when quotes surfaced in which he referred to his prospective Saudi business partners as "scary motherf*****s to get involved with." He went on to say "they execute people over there for being gay," while also referencing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose death is suspected to have been ordered by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
However, 'Lefty' went on to suggest he was willing to overlook such atrocities "because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates." The comments were made to author Alan Shipnuck, who has denied Mickelson's claims said quotes were "off the record."
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"First and foremost, I want to again apologise to the many people I offended and hurt with my comments a few months ago," wrote the 51-year-old in a statement posted on Twitter. "I have made mistakes in my career in some of the things I have said and done. Taking time away and self-reflecting has been very humbling.
"I needed to start prioritising the people that I love the most and work on becoming a better version of myself. I have spent this time with Amy and loved ones. I have been engaged and intentional in continued therapy and feel healthy and much more at peace."
Mickelson hasn't played since February but will stand a good chance at the £4m first-place jackpot on offer in St. Albans this weekend. Ian Poulter, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Martin Kaymer are also among the recognised PGA names heading for the Saudi-backed event.
“Phil Mickelson is unequivocally one of the greatest golfers of this generation. His contributions to the sport and connection to fans around the globe cannot be overstated and we are grateful to have him. He strengthens an exciting field for London where we’re proud to launch a new era for golf,” said LIV Golf Investments CEO Greg Norman in a statement.
Lefty went on to say he intends to play the majors, even though the belief is any players heading for the LIV Golf Series will be barred from doing so. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in March that 'the ball was in Mickelson's court' regarding a potential Tour comeback.
Kevin Na announced this week that he had resigned from the PGA Tour in order to avoid sanctions for joining the LIV Golf Series. Norman said he was "surprised" by Na's decision given LIV had vowed to "defend, reimburse and represent" any players who faced punishment from the PGA.
