Phil Mickelson has revealed that discussion about his not attending this week’s events for past champions in the buildup to the Open Championship was instigated by the R&A.
Mickelson was a notable absentee at a four-hole challenge for former Open winners on Monday and a dinner the following evening. The R&A had initially let it be known Mickelson had asked to be excused but the 52-year-old, who has been mired in controversy because of his attachment to the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Series, painted another picture after an opening round of 72 at St Andrews.
