Billy Horschel Slams Mickelson: Mickelson (Finally) Issues His “Statement”

Billy Horschel knows a little bit about what goes on with the PGA Tour and its finances.  He should, he’s a member of the Player Advisory Council and Billy wasn’t too happy with Mickelson’s revelations last week regarding his involvement with the Saudis and their now, nearly deceased Golf League.

Going back to when Mickelson refer to the PGA Tour’s “obnoxious greed,” Horschel took exception.

“They were a little bit idiotic to tell you the truth,” Horschel said. “I think some of the statements he made are lies, are false, are – I don’t know where he got his information from. It’s unbelievable that he would say certain things because I think he does understand how the PGA Tour works; he’s had obviously more experience and more time and more communications with Tim Finchem and Jay Monahan over the years. And so, for him to say certain things about obnoxious greed and the PGA Tour sitting on $20 to $30 billion and some of these other things which are complete lies because I’m in the PAC meetings. I may not see all the numbers that a player director may see in board meetings, but I see enough to understand that the money is being used correctly and it’s being used how the PGA Tour says it is. It’s tough because this guy – I say this guy – Phil has done so great, and he’s been a great ambassador to the game of golf, and I honestly feel that he’s hurting his reputation and he’s tarnishing his legacy a little bit.”

Horschel also feels that this latest pile of poop from Mickelson might affect his prospects of being a future Ryder Cup captain.  While Horschel has never played a Ryder Cup and is not privy to captaincy meetings, he, and others had expected Mickelson, an assistant captain at last year’s matches at Whistling Straits, to get the nod for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Horschel said. “Obviously, that’s a decision with the PGA of America and the former captains.  I would say at this point right now, if that decision had to be made, if the Ryder Cup was next year for Bethpage, and we all thought he was going to get it and that decision was going to be made, it would be hard-pressed for me to see him actually getting that spot. I would think they would sort of say, hey, we just can’t go down that route. But, you know, we’re three or four years away from that timeline, and things can be corrected, and people can admit wrong and do things the right way going forward. At the same time, how much does Phil actually want to be captain? That’s an honest question — if that’s what he really wants to be is a Ryder Cup captain, maybe there’s some way for him to sort of fix anything that has hurt him from possibly being in that spot.”

Now comes the question as to what the PGA Tour may or may not do about Mickelson and his admitted transgressions.

Phil Mickelson (Finally) Issues His Statement:

Phil Mickelson came out of hiding long enough on Tuesday to finally issue a statement regarding the storm of controversy swirling around him.

Here’s what Phil put out:

“Although it doesn’t look this way now given my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been with the best interest of golf, my peers, sponsors, and fans. There is the problem of off record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger issue is that I used words I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions. It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I’m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this.

“Golf desperately needs change, and real change is always preceded by disruption. I have always known that criticism would come with exploring anything new. I still chose to put myself at the forefront of this to inspire change, taking the hits publicly to do the work behind the scenes.

“My experience with LIV Golf Investments has been very positive. I apologize for anything I said that was taken out of context. The specific people I have worked with are visionaries and have only been supportive. More importantly they passionately love golf and share my drive to make the game better. They have a clear plan to create an updated and positive experience for everyone including players, sponsors, networks, and fans.

“I have incredible partners, and these relationships mean so much more to me than a contract. Many have been my most influential mentors and I consider all to be lifelong friends. The last thing I would ever want to do is compromise them or their business in any way, and I have given all of them the option to pause or end the relationship as I understand it might be necessary given the current circumstances. I believe in these people and companies and will always be here for them with or without a contract.

“I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and many have been shared with the public. My intent was never to hurt anyone and I’m so sorry to the people I have negatively impacted. This has always been about supporting the players and the game and I appreciate all the people who have given me the benefit of the doubt.

“Despite my belief that some changes have already been made within the overall discourse, I know I need to be accountable. For the past 31 years I have lived a very public life and I have strived to live up to my own expectations, be the role model the fans deserve, and be someone that inspires others. I’ve worked to compete at the highest level, be available to media, represent my sponsors with integrity, engage with volunteers and sign every autograph for my incredible fans. I have experienced many successful and rewarding moments that I will always cherish, but I have often failed myself and others too. The past 10 years I have felt the pressure and stress slowly affecting me at a deeper level. I know I have not been my best and desperately need some time away to prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be.”

Time away?

Phil needs time away, no need to show his face at a Tour event anytime soon.

What’s Next For Mickelson?

When will Phil Mickelson show up at an event?

Well, you figure he’d be in the field for The Players but if and when he does, will he be surrounded by a circus-like setting?

Media frenzy?

And what about all those brands on Mickelson’s hat and shirt sleeves.

Well, Callaway is stuck with Lefty — they signed him to a lifetime contract.  When asked for reaction, Callaway has gone silent.  Didn’t take long for KPMG to drop Mickelson like a scalding hot rock.  He’s gone from their site.  KPMG made that move on Tuesday.  His deal with Workday is in trouble.

If he wants to explore the television option, networks may now look the other way.

If not The Players, does Phil show up at The Masters and create a circus there?

Not sure Fred Ridley and friends would be happy about that.

AP Reports That Zach Johnson Will Captain U.S. Ryder Cup Team In Italy:

The Associate Press is reporting that Zach Johnson will be the next U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2023 matches in Italy.

Not a surprising move as Johnson has been a Vice Captain for a number of U.S. team and is a two-time major champion — winning both The Masters and the Open Championship.