Phil Mickelson Talks about LIV Golf criticism

Phil Mickelson did not close the door on a return to the PGA Tour during his pre-US Open press conference on Monday, continuing to avoid criticism of his move to LIV Golf.

On the heels of LIV Golf's inaugural event, Mickelson addressed the criticism the series continues to receive over its funding from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.

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In addition to Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, the role of Saudi nationals in the 9/11 attacks has prompted renewed scrutiny.

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The six-time champion also spoke about the indefinite ban he and 16 others received from the tour for participating in London's LIV tournament:

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“My preference is to be able to choose which path I want, one or the other, or both. my achievements, in the field, earned me a lifetime membership.

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Even before the suspension, Mickelson was notable for his absence from the tour. His last appearance was the Farmers Insurance Open in January.

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The 51-year-old stepped back from the limelight amid the fallout from comments he made to Fire Pit Collective's Alan Shipnuck.

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he was optimistic about the Saudi-backed breakaway league "because this is a unique opportunity to reshape the way the PGA Tour operates."

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