Months after apologizing for Saudi Arabia comments, LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson denies doing interview

In Shipnuck's book, here's what Mickelson is quoted as saying.

"They're scary motherf---ers to get involved with. ... They killed [Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates."

The breakaway league is backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and has seen scores of notable defectors leave the PGA Tour in 2022.

"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," Mickelson said in his February statement. "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. 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."

Even though nobody knows for sure what was said in the apparent interview between Mickelson and Shipnuck, back in February, the 52-year-old golfer only said that his quotes were taken out of context. To hear him all out deny that the interview ever occurred is bizarre to say the least.

The upcoming invitational is the seventh for LIV this year and carries a purse of $20,000,000 for the victor. The event runs from Friday through Sunday.