What Gary Player said to Phil Mickelson in 2022 after comments led to Masters absence

“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. They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players had no recourse.”

The backlash was swift and severe and forced Mickelson to issue an apology soon after.

His statement read: “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.”

“There is a problem off-record comments being shared out of context and without my consent but bigger issue that used words sincerely regret do not reflect true feelings or intentions reckless offended people am deeply sorry for choice beyond disappointed will make every effort self-reflect learn from this.”

Gary Player’s message to Phil Mickelson after 2022 Masters absence

At that time, Mickelson wasn’t exactly getting much support from the golf world. But Gary Player was one of the few who spoke up for him, backing the three-time Masters winner when few others did.

Speaking to reporters before the 2022 Masters, Player came to Mickelson’s defence. “I think we live in a time now when we are such a judgmental society, a litigious society, a critical society, where people get crucified,” he said.

“The greatest PR man on the golf Tour in the last five or x amount of years has been Phil Mickelson. He has been the ideal man for a sponsor, for professional golf, for the public, the way he’s handled the public, with dignity and with love.”

“And he makes a mistake, which every one of you in this room have made a damn mistake. We all have. And he said he’s sorry. But even the Lord God will forgive you of your inequities if you ask for forgiveness.”

“I phoned him. I said ‘Hold your head up high’. You’ve made a mistake. Everybody makes a mistake. And he should go on with his life.”

“It’s amazing. From the epitome of perfection, he’s down there being crucified. It’s not right. That’s my opinion. He said terrible things but we all make mistakes.”*