Rory McIlroy Rips Phil Mickelson’s ‘Selfish,’ ‘Ignorant’ Saudi Golf League Remarks

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Rory McIlroy joined Justin Thomas in criticizing Phil Mickelson’s comments on how the Saudi Arabia-backed Super Golf League might be a tool by which to effect change on the PGA Tour.

Alan Shipnuck, who’s writing a biography on Mickelson, shared comments from the six-time major champion on the Super Golf League that quickly gained traction:

“They’re scary motherf–kers to get involved with. We know 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. They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse.”

Mickelson’s comments didn’t sit well with McIlroy, who described them as “naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant.”

“It was just very surprising and disappointing. It was just very surprising and disappointing. Sad,” he told reporters. “I’m sure he’s sitting at home sort of rethinking his position and where he goes from here.”

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.