Phil Mickelson seeks PGA Tour release to play in Saudi-funded event

Golfer Phil Mickelson is sending shockwaves through the sport, as he seeks an exit from the PGA Tour

The 51-year-old has previously apologised for criticising the Saudi Arabian regime. He is seeking to make a return to the game after missing the Masters in April.

His manager says the request comes with the PGA deadline in mind, and concedes it is a “conflicting tour event”.

The Saudi Golf event is part of a proposed Super League for golfers. It’s run by Australian Greg Norman who has shelved plans to run the series as a league format.

The event will be an invitational tournament until 2024.

It comes as Mickelson is named for the 2022 U.S. PGA Championship, which starts next month.

He won the tournament last year to become the oldest man to win a major.