Mickelson apologises loses sponsor over PGA, Saudi remarks

Phil Mickelson has apologised for remarks about the US PGA Tour and Saudi backers of a proposed rival tour, saying he will “desperately need some time away” from golf.

The 51-year-old left-hander, winner of six major titles and the reigning PGA Championship titleholder, also lost long-time sponsor KPMG after issuing a lengthy apology on Twitter.

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Mickelson was quoted as saying he was willing to work with the Saudi Golf League despite human rights issues because it would provide leverage to create change on the PGA Tour.

Three-time Masters champion Mickelson became the oldest major winner in history last May at Kiawah Island when he won the PGA at age 50.