Phil Mickelson says he has ‘the deepest of sympathy and empathy’ for families of 9/11 victims | Golf News

Phil Mickelson: “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 emphasise that enough”; Mickelson also reiterates his desire to remain on the PGA Tour and says he only has respect for golfers who have criticised him

​​​​​​​Phil Mickelson insists he has “the deepest of sympathy and empathy” for the families of the 9/11 victims and those who survived the New York terrorist attacks in 2001 after he was criticised by them for joining the LIV Invitational Golf Series.

The competition is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) which has led to Mickelson and the other Americans who joined the series being accused of “betraying” the victims in a strongly-worded letter from a prominent support group.

In citing Saudi Arabia’s prominent role in the terror attack – Osama bin Laden and 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis – Terry Strada, the chair of 9/11 Families United whose husband died in the attacks, wrote: “Whether it was the appeal of millions of dollars of hard cash, or just the opportunity to prosecute your professional grievances with the PGA, you have sold us out. This is a betrayal not only of us, but of all your countrymen.”

Mickelson was asked to explain his decision at an awkward press conference ahead of this week’s US Open at The Country Club in Brookline and expressed his sympathy, although he refused to say whether he would speak to the families directly.

“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 emphasise that enough,” he said.

“I have the deepest of sympathy and empathy for them.”

‘I certainly respect Rory’

Mickelson insists he still respects Rory McIlroy, who won the Canadian Open on Sunday, and all those who have questioned his decision to join the LIV Invitational Golf Series.

The 51-year-old confirmed his switch ahead of last week’s inaugural tournament at Centurion Club and has, as a result, been suspended from competing on the PGA Tour.

He admitted the “financial commitment” of LIV Golf was a factor in his decision to join the series, but insisted he still wants to continue to play on the PGA Tour despite his ban.

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Mickelson says he has worked really hard to earn a lifetime exemption and does not believe he should have to give up on the PGA Tour

“I certainly respect Rory,” he said. “I thought what a great finish yesterday and great accomplishment and what a career he has had. I certainly respect him. I respect his ideas. I respect all the players that choose to stay on the PGA Tour.

“I certainly think extremely highly of many of the players on the PGA Tour and their right to their own decisions.

“I gave as much back to the PGA Tour and the game of golf that I could throughout my 30 years here, and through my accomplishments on the course I’ve earned a lifetime membership. I intend to keep that and then choose going forward which events to play and not.”

But speaking about his reasons for joining LIV Golf, he added: “I think that there’s an obvious incredible financial commitment, but more than that – for all the players involved and everyone involved, there are other factors that with fewer tournaments, it allows me to have more balance in my life. It allows me to do things that are off the golf course I’ve always wanted to do.

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Mickelson says he had an ‘awesome time’ during his four months off from competing and feels good about being part of LIV Golf

“I find that as I prioritise those that are important to me, people that are important to me going forward, this allows me to have more time with them, be more present, and to share more life experiences outside of golf.”

Mickelson appreciative of Boston support

Mickelson will be making his latest bid to complete a career Grand Slam of the majors this week at the US Open, live on Sky Sports Golf, and hopes to receive a good reception from the fans despite the current furore.

He said: “I think the Boston crowds are some of the best in sports, and I think that they have given me a lot of support, and I’m very appreciative of that over the years.

Mickelson was in action at the Centurion Club on Saturday

“I think that their excitement and energy is what creates such a great atmosphere, so whether it’s positive or negative towards me directly, I think it’s going to provide an incredible atmosphere to hold this championship. I think it’s going to be a great event, and the people here have a lot to do with that.”

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