Mickelson ‘excited’ to be back in Mass. for U.S. Open amid outrage over decision to join LIV Golf

Phil Mickelson on Monday said that he’s “excited” to be back in Massachusetts this week to compete in the 122nd U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline amid outrage over his recent decision to leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.

“I’m excited about being here in Boston at The Country Club,” Mickelson told reporters during a press conference. “The fans here are some of the best in the world, and they provide an atmosphere that is second to none for all sports.”

The 51-year-old was also grilled about a recent story in the New York Post about a September 11 survivors group that ripped him for aligning with LIV Golf, which is financed by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia.

During the press conference, a reporter asked Mickelson about the story: “As you know, you’ve been criticized by many people, as you referred to. New York Post, Brian Wacker, reported that the 9/11 families sent you and others a letter alluding, of course, to Osama Bin Laden and the 15 of 19 hijackers that the Saudis, of course, sent and that they say now you are a partner with them you appear to be pleased in your business with them. Terry Strada is the person, of course, who wrote this letter, and her husband got on the plane in Boston that flew into the World Trade Center.”

Mickelson responded by saying, “I would say to the Strada family, I would say to everyone that has lost loved ones, lost friends on 9/11 that I have deep, deep empathy for them. I can’t emphasize that enough. I have the deepest of sympathy and empathy for them.”

The PGA Tour on Thursday announced the suspension of any current or future tour members who play for LIV Golf.

Mickelson went on to say that the Country Club is in “pristine shape” and that is should provide a “brutal test of golf.”

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