In a shocking turn of events, the world of professional golf has found itself at the center of a high-stakes saga involving none other than golf legend Phil Mickelson. His clandestine dealings with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Superleague have sent shockwaves through the golfing community. This article takes you inside the intriguing story that has been making headlines.
Mickelson’s Obsession with Money and Taxes
Known for his extravagant lifestyle, Phil Mickelson’s obsession with money is no secret. This golf icon, who owns a Gulfstream IV and is notorious for his aversion to paying taxes, has always sought opportunities to boost his already impressive fortune. But what drives his pursuit of wealth?
In 2013, Mickelson publicly complained about California’s state income tax, revealing a pattern of financial concerns. This moment foreshadowed his financial entanglements and a keen eye for potential deals.
Mickelson’s Brush with Insider Trading
In 2016, Mickelson faced an insider trading scandal involving the famous gambler Billy Walters. Although he was never charged with wrongdoing, he had to repay the government nearly a million dollars. As part of the investigation, his finances were thoroughly scrutinized, revealing substantial gambling losses.
This financial background perhaps explains Mickelson’s relentless pursuit of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Superleague. But what led him to make these "backdoor dealings"?
The Saudi Offer: A Game Changer
The turning point in this story came during the 2021 PGA Championship. Majed Al-Souror, CEO of Golf Saudi, entered the scene and rented a house near the tournament. Players and agents flocked to listen to his pitch. The offers were mind-boggling, including rumored nine-figure deals.
Mickelson’s impressive victory at the PGA Championship was like a mic drop. With the Saudis waving substantial sums, he believed he deserved the kind of money that star athletes like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Tom Brady, or Mike Trout command.
Enmeshed with the Saudis
Mickelson’s involvement with the Saudis deepened. He, along with other notable players, was instrumental in crafting the operating agreement for the new league, ensuring players’ influence. Some saw this as a smart business move, while others viewed it as disloyalty.
Saudi’s Gambit and Mickelson’s Role
Saudi Arabia’s initial investment was in the Asian Tour, raising questions within the golfing community. Why pour $300 million into a tour known for inefficiency and questionable tournaments?
Amidst all this, Mickelson remained a pivotal figure, working behind the scenes to gather support from fellow players for the new Saudi superleague. The secrecy surrounding his activities raised eyebrows, and some players felt left out.
The Phone Call that Changed Everything
The story about the thwarted league surfaced in February 2022, breaking in the New York Post. Anonymous sources provided insights, but one sounded remarkably like Mickelson himself. The question on everyone’s mind was, "What does Phil want?"
Then, just before Thanksgiving 2021, Mickelson made a crucial call. He acknowledged that the Saudi circuit was a form of "sportswashing" by a repressive regime. Despite acknowledging the Saudis’ questionable record on human rights, he saw an opportunity to reshape the PGA Tour, providing players with leverage they had never enjoyed before.
In Conclusion
"Inside Phil Mickelson’s Backdoor Dealings With the Saudis’ LIV Golf Superleague: “They’re Scary Motherf–kers”" is a complex narrative that highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and financial interests. Mickelson’s pursuit of wealth and influence has taken center stage, leaving the golfing world in suspense. The repercussions of these secretive dealings remain to be seen, but one thing is certain—professional golf may never be the same.
Mickelson’s Impact on the PGA Tour
Did Mickelson utter a’scary M –F – S’ about Liv golf’s?
In a pivotal conversation, Phil Mickelson openly referred to LIV Golf’s Saudi backers as "scary m—–f—–s." This blunt statement rippled through the internet, casting doubt on LIV’s launch and causing Mickelson to retreat from the public eye for several months. Did Mickelson’s candid comment cast a shadow over the Saudi-backed LIV Golf venture?
Did Phil Mickelson apologize for speaking the truth about the Saudis?
In response to his reported $200 million deal with the LIV Golf series, Phil Mickelson faced a critical question: "Are you apologizing for speaking the truth about the Saudis, or for the shameless hypocrisy of taking their money anyway?" Did Mickelson express regret for his candid remarks about the Saudis, or did he grapple with the ethical dilemma of accepting their substantial financial offer?
Was Phil mickelson’s’scary M-F-‘ chat off the record?
Phil Mickelson asserts that his ‘scary m–f–’ conversation was off the record. The pivotal chat between Phil Mickelson and Alan Shipnuck in Saudi Arabia raised questions about its status in the context of modern professional golf. Was Mickelson’s claim about the conversation’s confidentiality valid?
Did Mickelson call saudis’scary Motherf-KERS’?
In comments published by biographer Alan Shipnuck in February, Phil Mickelson was quoted as referring to the Saudis as "scary motherf–kers to be involved with" and raising concerns about their human rights record. Did Mickelson indeed use this strong language when discussing the Saudis?
What were Phil Mickelson’s motivations for joining the Saudi LIV Golf Superleague?
Why did Phil Mickelson choose to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Superleague? According to Mickelson, the allure of this "transformative" league lay in its potential to support a healthier approach to both his professional and personal life. What motivated Mickelson’s decision to become a part of this new golf venture?
What was the role of other players in Mickelson’s backdoor dealings with the Saudis?
What roles did other players play in Phil Mickelson’s secretive dealings with the Saudis? Mickelson, along with three undisclosed players—rumored to be Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau—engaged lawyers to craft the operating agreement for the new league. This agreement aimed to ensure the players had a significant say in shaping the league’s future. How did these players contribute to this unfolding golf saga?
