US golfer 'deeply sorry' for word choice on league supported by Saudi Arabia

Prominent American golfer Phil Mickelson said on Tuesday that he is "deeply sorry" for his "choice of words" regarding a suggested new golf league supported by Saudi Arabia.

In a 2021 interview whose contents were recently leaked, Mickelson spoke positively of the proposed Saudi-backed Super Golf League, meant to rival the US-based PGA tour on which the world's top golfers play. 

The golfer said he could look past Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses because he thought the new tournament was a golden opportunity for players to move away from the PGA, PA Media reported.

Mickelson, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, issued a statement on Twitter on Tuesday addressing the remarks.

It read: "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.

A Statement from Phil Mickelson pic.twitter.com/2saaXIxhpu

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) February 22, 2022

"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."

The sportsman maintained that professional golf needs to be shaken up.

"Golf desperately needs change, and real change is always preceded by disruption," he argued.

"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."

The 51-year-old said he will step away from golf to "prioritize the ones I love most and work on being the man I want to be".

He did not say how long his break from the game might last.