GOLF legend Phil Mickelson has been DUMPED by sponsors KPMG and Amstel Light after ‘offensive comments about Saudi Arabia’s breakaway tour’.
In an interview Mickelson conducted with biographer Alan Shipnuck the American revealed he had concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record but was prepared to overlook them in order to put pressure on the PGA Tour.
Golf star Phil Mickelson has been dumped by two main sponsors after controversial comments about Saudi Arabia
The six-time major champion has been one of the players most closely associated with the possible rival to the PGA Tour, which is being spearheaded by former world number one Greg Norman.
He has since apologised for the comments, taken a break from the sport, and said he is prepared to accept sponsors breaking their partnership.
And now two major companies have done just this.
In a statement, KPMG, who have backed the American since 2008, told Sportico: “KPMG US and Phil Mickelson have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately.
“We wish him the best.”
And Amstel Light followed suit, with their parent company Heineken saying: “We made the decision to go our separate ways and end Amstel Light’s partnership with Phil Mickelson.”
The 51-year-old could miss the Masters at Augusta in six weeks time after announcing his sabbatical.
He is a three-time winner of the green jacket.
Support for the breakaway league has been decidedly thin on the ground, and Rory McIlroy criticised Mickelson at the weekend, calling his comments: “Naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant”.
And in a statement on Tuesday, Mickelson said: “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.”
Mickelson, however, did stress that he felt the way sport is run needs to change.
He added: “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.”
Mickelson will now take a break from golf following the backlash
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