'LIV Golf' Mickelson's US Open Declaration: "I Decide Whether to Participate in the Tournament"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I decide which tournaments I will enter."

Phil Mickelson (USA, photo), the 'oldest major champion,' stated at a press conference held on the 14th (Korean time) ahead of the 122nd US Open, the third major of this season, "I have worked for 30 years to earn PGA lifetime membership status, and I intend to maintain it." Although the PGA Tour recently imposed suspensions on 17 players who joined LIV Golf, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has allowed participation in the US Open.

Mickelson particularly criticized the PGA Tour, calling it "too greedy," and said, "The launch of LIV Golf will actually create an opportunity for players to be better treated." However, this sparked backlash from most players, the American media, and officials. Although he quickly apologized for the "inappropriate expression," he had already become a 'public enemy,' and KPMG immediately terminated their contract, followed by major sponsors such as Workday and Amstel withdrawing one after another.

It is noteworthy that Mickelson will attempt to become the sixth 'career Grand Slammer' in global golf history at this tournament, which opens on the night of the 16th at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts (par 70, 7,264 yards). He won three different majors over nine years: the Masters in 2004, the PGA Championship in 2005, and The Open in 2013, with the US Open being the final puzzle. He has finished as runner-up six times in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2013.

Mickelson, who said he will "continue to participate in LIV Golf," added, "I will be forever grateful for the memories and goodwill of the PGA Tour, but I want to compete in various tours," and "I will also play in the last major, The Open, in July." Regarding the protests from families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, who told American players that participating in tournaments held in countries accused of supporting terrorism was a betrayal of their homeland, he said, "I sympathize with everyone's grief and feel deeply sorry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.