Phil Mickelson Ditches Waste Management Open for Saudi Arabia Event

No doubt the European Tour’s Saudi Invitational has quickly become the most controversial event in all of golf.

Phil Mickelson announced this week that he will be heading to Saudi Arabia to compete, dropping out of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Not only is this a big deal because Phil is ditching the PGA TOUR for the European Tour, but this is also one of Phil’s biggest events of the year. Mickelson has played the Phoenix Open every year since 1990, making this a long streak that has now been broken.

Embed from Getty Images

Phil offered this explanation to the media: “I am really looking forward to playing in Saudi Arabia in January,” Mickelson said in a statement in The Saudi Gazette. “I watched Dustin (Johnson) win the title last year and thought the course looked like an interesting challenge. Having so many talented players also made it look like a much more established tournament than one in its inaugural year. I have enjoyed my previous visits to the Middle East and am looking forward to playing in a new country and doing my bit to grow the game in the Kingdom.”

After turning down opportunities to go to the Middle East for many years, I’m excited to go play and see a place in the world I’ve never been. I understand those who are upset or disappointed. You’ll be ok. I’m excited to experience this for the first time.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) December 3, 2019

While that all sounds well and good for Lefty, a lot of fans are left wondering if this is simply a money grab. When Saudi Arabia puts on events, they know their monarchy is controversial so they offer groups and people extraordinary money to play, which is why many think the world’s best are flocking to the event. Mickelson defended himself on Twitter, however, stating that he has turned down opportunities in the Middle East before and wants the experience.

But Mickelson certainly isn’t receiving the brunt of every fan’s criticism. He wasn’t even the only player to announce their participation in the event this week, as Tony Finau also pledged to play. Those two now join a list of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, and Henrik Stenson among others who will be vying for a trophy in a few months.

Embed from Getty Images

While there is plenty of reason to be upset and it’s understandable why fans are saddened by Phil’s decision, it is ultimately his decision. And no matter how controversial, here’s to hoping Phil plays well in the Middle East next month.

Cover Image Via Twitter