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Phil Mickelson responds to criticism after ditching Phoenix Open for Saudi International

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Phil Mickelson felt the wrath of many golf fans on Monday after the 49-year-old announced that he would be skipping the Phoenix Open in 2020 to instead play in the Saudi International.

Mickelson has been ever-present at the Phoenix Open since turning pro, and now joins a growing list which includes the likes of Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Tony Finau, Henrik Stenson and Patrick Reed who are reported to be receiving up to seven-figure appearance fees for their participation at the Middle East event.

The controversy surrounding players involvement at the event boils down to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the government’s alleged involvement in the murder of U.S.-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi back in 2018. In 2019, both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy snubbed invites to the event, despite reportedly being offered over $3 million to play.

In a statement confirming his entrance in the 2020 event, Mickelson cited an urge to do his bit to “grow the game in the Kingdom”.

“I am really looking forward to playing in Saudi Arabia in January. I watched Dustin win the title last year and thought the course looked like an interesting challenge. I have enjoyed my previous visits to the Middle East (the last being in Abu Dhabi five years ago) and am looking forward to playing in a new country and doing my bit to grow the game in the Kingdom.”

However, many golf fans on social media weren’t buying those reasons from Mickelson. Those fans vented their views to the five-time major champion, accusing him of taking a cash grab and turning a blind eye to the human rights record of the country.

@apbode

@golftildeth

@jjhuntvillage

 

Those reactions provoked Mickelson to defend his decision, offering this response to the critics.

@philmickelson

The discussion didn’t end there, however, with The Guardian journalist Ewan Murray and Mickelson involved in an evening quarrel, the former of which wasn’t pulling any punches in his criticism of the 49-year-old’s decision to play the event.

@philmickelson & @mrewanmurray

What do you think of Mickelson’s decision to tee it up at next year’s Saudi International, WRXers?

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Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected].

19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

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After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
  • otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech.  He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly.  Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy.  He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for.  There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind.  World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
  • konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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