Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson was told to "do it for the Saudi royal family" as he returned to the LIV Golf schedule on Friday.
'Lefty' was preparing to tee off on the first hole at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, when his concentration was broken by the fan in question. The LIV Golf Invitational Series is financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and has been slated as an attempt by the Kingdom at 'sportswashing'.
LIV Golf has tempted numerous PGA Tour stars to its shores with the offer of huge paydays that dwarf those in its rival league. What's more, numerous household names were reportedly offered nine-figure sums to join the exodus, with Mickelson believed to have been paid around $200million (£165m).
The outburst from the crowd appeared to throw Mickelson off as he stepped back from the ball and took some time to regather himself. It proved an unfortunate precursor for what was to come, too, as the former PGA favourite shot four over par to tie for 43rd at the end of the first round.
It's far from the first piece of controversy witnessed this week at Trump National Golf Club, which is owned by former President of the United States, Donald Trump. The course has been the site of protests by families and loved ones related to those killed in the September 11 terror attacks.
Trump has in the past touted the Kingdom as being responsible for the 9/11 attacks. However, the former 'Leader of the Free World' has since changed his tune on the matter and said this week that "nobody’s gotten to the bottom of 9/11."
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Mickelson, 52, was also the subject of pressure from a 9/11 advocacy group in June and received a letter urging him to turn his back on the Saudi-backed LIV Series. The three-time Masters champions replied : "I would say to everyone who's lost loved ones and friends in 9/11 that I have deep empathy for them. I can't emphasise that enough."
The LIV Golf Invitational Series is still in the early stages of its existence, and this weekend's contest in Bedminster is only its third event. That being said, one would expect its participants may face further scrutiny related to its financiers in future.
Being the face of that breakaway league comes with its perks in that Saudi Arabia are understood to have rewarded Mickelson very handsomely for his time. However, he's also liable to face the brunt of any outrage, which is particularly understandable for those protesting in New Jersey.
