Rory McIlroy insists Phil Mickelson ‘can be forgiven’ as American skips PGA Championship title defence

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Matt Verri17 May 2022

Rory McIlroy does not believe Phil Mickelson should be forced away from golf as the American’s absence from the sport continues.

Mickelson has not played since February when he announced he would be taking a break from the game, following controversial comments regarding the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.

The 51-year-old suggested in an interview that he was willing to look past Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and use the threat of a breakaway as a way to gain leverage over the PGA Tour. In response, McIlroy described the quotes as “naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant”.

Having won the PGA Championship last year, becoming the oldest major champion, Mickelson will not defend his PGA Championship in Tulsa this week after it was confirmed he had chosen to withdraw.

Along with Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, Mickelson is one of those to have requested a release to play in the first LIV Golf Series event next month, taking place in the UK. The PGA Tour has rejected all requests it has received.

Speaking in Oklahoma ahead of the second major of the year, McIlroy put forward a more sympathetic tone towards the American and suggested he would be welcomed back by the players should he return.

“He’s made decisions and he’s had to live with certain consequences of that,” McIlroy told Sky Sports.

“There were some actions, but for the most part they were words. I think people can be forgiven for words. I came out a little strongly against him right at the start but my stance has definitely softened over the last few weeks.

“Phil Mickelson has been a legend of our game for the last 30 years and I certainly don’t think he should be shut out of the game. Whenever he comes back, I think he should be a little more gracious I guess.

“He said some bad things and offended some people, but I don’t think that makes it right to shut him out of the game of golf.

“I think a lot of players will be happy to see him back, but that will all be in his own time and wherever he decides to show up again - whether that’s in the States on the PGA Tour or if that’s a London in LIV [Golf Series] in a couple of weeks.”

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman admitted last week that Mickelson’s comments had harmed attempts to attract players, but the plans look set to go ahead with eight events scheduled and each boasting a prize fund of £20.2million.

A full list of those competing is yet to be announced, though effectively all of those at the top of the world rankings have confirmed their intention to stay loyal to the PGA Tour.

McIlroy is one of those and he once again confirmed he has no plans to be a part of the breakaway project.

“Now at this point it’s just so toxic to talk about,” McIlroy said.

“For me, it’s more of a self-preservation thing. I don’t need to get involved, I’m not going to get involved.

“I love being my own boss, I certainly wouldn’t want Greg Norman telling me what to do, where to show up and when to be there!”

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