Phil Mickelson explains Rory McIlroy dig as he TEASES explosive PGA truthbombs
Phil Mickelson has addressed his trolling of Rory McIlroy as the LIV Golf League player revealed why he'll be more outspoken in 2023.
Phil Mickelson has lifted the lid on why he trolled Rory McIlroy before the Northern Irishman battled his LIV Golf League rival Patrick Reed.
Speaking before the PIF Saudi International, Mickelson, 52, said the animosity between the Ulsterman and Captain America "added to the excitement".
Mickelson's social media activity during the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour was eyebrow raising to say the least.
He congratulated McIlroy as he opened up a three-stroke lead in "DUBAI" and queried whether the Northern Irishman would be able to finish off the job in the "Middle East".
Related: LIV Golf take massive L in latest legal twist
This was clearly Mickelson pointing out the hypocrisy of his critics.
It's not unreasonable to suggest that Mickelson, 52, has attracted more criticism than any other LIV Golf player.
The fallout from his comments he made about working with LIV's Saudi financiers led to a four-month break from the game.
Mickelson lost major sponsorships. His future with Callaway still remains unclear.
He went "dark" on social media. Mickelson told the media on Tuesday in Jeddah that this year he'll able able to able to say "all the things" he hasn't yet been able to.
That's once things off the course get settled.
Lefty predicted the LIV players will prevail in their sports arbitration case against the DP World Tour next week, allowing for more showdowns like McIlroy's with Reed.
Asked about his apparent return to social media, Mickelson told the media:
Mickelson added to his comment about McIlroy on social media after the final round at Emirates Golf Club.
"Exciting battle down the stretch," he wrote. "I hope everyone watched and enjoyed."
Related: McIlroy defends Reed
Guess who’s back in action this week in Saudi Arabia? @PhilMickelson looking ready to go….not joggers ready but trim nonetheless.pic.twitter.com/4mGkQ36AUd
— Travis Fulton (@travisfulton) January 30, 2023
Asked about the duo's battle in the desert, Mickelson said:
Mickelson has also revealed that he's "at peace" with his uncertain PGA Tour and Ryder Cup future.
Speaking to SI's Bob Harig, Mickelson said he'll look back on a chaotic 2022 as a period of "short-term disruption for long-term gain".
He also had some predictions about the future of the world ranking system.
Next page: Nine players who changed their mind about LIV Golf
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