On Tuesday, Phil Mickleson said he didn’t feel it was necessary to comment on the ESPN.com report that linked the five-time major championship victor to an illegal gambling operation.
Advertisement
Phil Mickelson was “disappointed” with US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s remarks about immigrants.
“Yet it doesn’t take away from all that he’s done to try to help better golf, and take these properties and turn them around and make them prosperous, like he did here at the golf course in Aberdeen; it’s just a wonderful golf course”. In the past it was a chance to acclimatise to Scotland without being pushed so hard that he was drained ahead of the real test at the Open Championship itself.
Mickelson is back in the East Lothian town where he achieved his greatest triumph two years ago. With the last five Open winners having played in the Scottish Open, the victor will be fancied at St Andrews next week.
“The other thing is I thought I would get asked about Tom Watson, and the only thing I would say is that he’s one of the greatest champions this game has ever had, and I hope next week is a celebration of that greatness”.
With Tom Watson making his farewell appearance in the Open Championship next week, Mickelson knew he would be asked about his public criticism of Watson’s Ryder Cup captaincy previous year.
“I’ve been getting acclimated not only to the time change but also the links-style golf”. “It’s his last Open Championship, and I’m certainly appreciative of all he’s done for the game of golf”. “I view him as a great champion”, Mickelson said. It’s probably the most special victory of my career and something that I cherish as much as any tournament victory ever. Again, he’s one of the greatest
champions the game has ever seen. “It’s in unbelievable condition and hopefully I can bring back some good memories playing here and contend on Sunday”.
“It’s a very emotional place for me”. “I’d love to just walk the back nine again”.
Last week Trump told the Golf Channel he enjoyed “tremendous support from the golf world because they all know I’m right”, but the following day the PGA of America, PGA Tour, USGA and LPGA issued a joint statement distancing themselves from his comments. Mickelson also addressed the ankle injury that Rory McIlroy suffered while playing soccer with friends last weekend. “In ’94, I snapped my femur before the Masters skiing, and I said then and I feel the same way now, you can’t live your life in fear”. He was just playing around, and accidents happen.
Advertisement
“You want to win your national tournament in front of your home fans and family, it’s as simple as that”.
