RORY MCLLROY has lambasted fellow golfer Phil Mickelson for his comments regarding the Saudi Super Golf League (SGL) .
The World No 5 called the American naïve, selfish, egotistical’ and ‘ignorant’ for his comments last week.
Last week comments from Mickelson came out about being willing to overlook Saudi Arabia's human right violations and would join the new proposed format to gain leverage over the PGA Tour.
Absolutely insane quote from Phil Mickelson here pic.twitter.com/WanxRma2aR
— harry breitner (@HarryTellsJokes) February 17, 2022
Mickelson sat down with golf writer and author Alan Shipnuck, for his book titled ' Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar' back in November and said:
‘They’re scary motherf****** to get involved with,’ Mickelson said
‘They killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.’
Fans and fellow players blasted the 51 year-old for his stance. One of those players was Mcllroy, who was speaking after the final round of the Genesis Invitational.
The Irishman thinks that Mickelson will rethink his position after the backlash,
‘I don’t want to kick someone while he’s down, obviously, but I thought they were naïve, selfish, egotistical, ignorant.
‘It was just very surprising and disappointing. Sad. I’m sure he’s sitting at home sort of rethinking his position and where he goes from here.’
Mcllroy also believes that the plans for a breakaway tour is 'dead in the water' due to lack of golfing talent.
AL MUROOJ, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 05: Phil Mickelson of The USA tees off (Photo by Oisin Keniry/Getty Images)Mcllroy was also asked about the SGL potentially ending
"Yeah, yeah. Who's left? Who's left to go?
"I mean, there's no one. It's dead in the water in my opinion. I just can't find any reason why anyone would go."
Some of the world's best have pledged their allegiance to the PGA Tour, these include Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, who both delivered a major snub to the SGL on Sunday
‘I was really glad to see DJ and Bryson put out those statements this week,’ said McIlroy.
‘We all want to play against the best players in the world and they’re certainly two of the best players in the world and it’s nice to know they are committed to playing here and committed to making this the best tour in the world.’
