This was far from a complete attack. Nonetheless, Tiger Woods has drawn more than veiled criticism of Phil Mickelson so that viewers can have no doubt that the 15-time big champion has little sympathy for his old opponent’s predicament. Mickelson will miss this week’s US PGA Championship, where he was due to appear as a defending champion, as the effects of comments on Saudi Arabia and the breakaway tour continue.
Woods has admitted that he has not contacted Mickelson since the latter retired from golf in late February. Woods’ comments in strong defense of the existing golf ecosystem contrast sharply with Mickelson’s approach, which accused the PGA Tour of “disgusting greed” and said it was looking for “levers” through the Saudis.
“He has an opinion on where he sees golf,” said Woods of Mickelson. “I have my own view of how I see golf. I supported the Tour and my foundation has been organizing events in the Tour for several years. I just think it’s Jack [Nicklaus] and Arnold [Palmer] we did at the beginning of the Tour, breaking away from the PGA of America and creating our tour in 1968 … I just think it has a legacy. I’ve been playing here for a few decades and I think I have a legacy to do it. I still think the Tour has so much to offer, so many opportunities.
“I understand different points of view, but I believe in heritage. I believe in great championships. I believe in great events, comparisons with historical figures from the past. There is a lot of money here. The circumference is growing. But it’s like any other sport. It’s like tennis. You have to go there and win it. You have to go out and play for it. We have the opportunity to go on and do it. It’s just not guaranteed up front. “
Mickelson is believed to have signed a lucrative deal with Saudi-backed LIV Golf Investments, which will host a $ 25 million event in Hertfordshire next month. Woods chose his words wisely when asked about Mickelson’s non-appearance in the Southern Hills. “It’s always frustrating when the title defender isn’t here,” he said.
“Phil said some things that I think many of us who are committed to the Tour and committed to the legacy of the Tour have opposed. He took some personal time and we all understand that. I think that some of his views on how the Tour can be conducted should be governed, there was a lot of disagreement. But as we all know, as a professional we miss him being here.
Speaking to Woods, Rory McIlroy was outspoken about the importance of the Saudi demolition plan. “Greg [Norman] and everyone behind him is very determined, “McIlroy said. “I think we’ll just have to see how it goes.
“The boys will make decisions. Honestly, this will shape the future of professional golf in one way or another, so I think we’ll just have to see how it goes. ” McIlroy called Mickelson’s non-appearance for the PGA in the United States “unhappy” and “sad.” The two-time PGA champion added, “It must be a holiday, right?”
Woods and McIlroy will be in each other’s company for the first and second rounds in Tulsa, suggesting that the PGA of America’s top officials is trying to change the golf story even briefly. Jordan Spit, who needs this specialty to finish his career in the Grand Slam, makes the top three.
Woods insists he is in better physical shape than the Masters, his first appearance in the tournament since a serious car crash last February. “I feel I can [win it]”Definitely,” he said when asked if the victory was feasible. “I just have to go out there and do it. I have work to do. It starts on Thursday and I’ll be ready.
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