LIV GOLF INVITATIONAL SERIES: LONDON

June 9, 2022

Phil Mickelson

Centurion Club

Quick Quotes

Q. The fact that you were a lifetime member, that wasn't brought up. Your reaction to that?

PHIL MICKELSON: I just got off the golf course and as I said yesterday in the press conference, any PGA Tour matters I'm not going to discuss publicly at this time.

Q. How are you feeling right now?

PHIL MICKELSON: I really enjoyed today. It was fun for me to get back out playing. I struck the ball really well and didn't putt very well. I really struggled with the putter the front, the first six, seven holes but I played really well and fought back after a double on 9 to shoot 1-under and get myself right in it on the first day.

With the short format it's important to have that good first day. It's harder, you don't have as many days to catch up but I needed a good day. I'm playing well and I feel like having my first competitive round now being back after a few months, I feel like I'm ready to relax and put it together and let it happen and not force it and really have a good round tomorrow. I feel like I'm playing well and the putter started to feel better the second half of the round.

Q. How did it feel out there?

PHIL MICKELSON: It's a very cool energy here.

Q. What would help it feel even more?

PHIL MICKELSON: I thought had it great energy throughout the day.

Q. Once you were out there, did it feel like a normal golf tournament, playing a golf tournament just like always?

PHIL MICKELSON: You know, it's been a while since I've played, so I don't know. It seemed awfully fun. The people were terrific and it was fun to hit some good shots and get in a competitive frame of mind again. I really enjoyed it.

Q. This is going to shake things up; did it seem different in a good way?

PHIL MICKELSON: Well, I drove the ball straight, so that was different and nice.

Q. Regards the suspension, what happens now? Will you take legal advice?

PHIL MICKELSON: So anything regarding PGA Tour matters, and I kind of put that in there, I'm not ready to discuss publicly at this time.

Q. When you say "discuss," is it also you're not even thinking or talking --

PHIL MICKELSON: So I feel like if I were to answer your question, I would be going against what I just said.

Q. What did you think about the statement from LIV Golf that suggested the PGA TOUR are being vindictive in the decision they made today?

PHIL MICKELSON: So I should probably include LIV Golf in the PGA TOUR matters that I won't be discussing at this time.

Q. Do you think it will be awkward when you get to Brookline?

PHIL MICKELSON: The last time I've been -- I was at the Country Club of Brookline, it was one of the coolest moments of my life, the 1999 Ryder Cup, and I know a lot of people here don't really want to hear about that. It was really a special day for me. I have not been back since. I can't wait to get back. And I know the people in Boston are terrific and I'm looking forward to playing there.

Q. Did you know the statement was coming today? Did the timing of it feel disrespectful?

PHIL MICKELSON: So you obviously missed the first question of the press conference --

Q. I have to ask.

PHIL MICKELSON: Please do. Have at it.

Q. How are you feeling about the situation in general? Was it difficult to focus? Did you enjoy yourself?

PHIL MICKELSON: I really had a good time it. I really enjoyed the day. I really enjoyed playing with DJ. Scott was terrific. Played really well. But just getting back out on the golf course, competing, hitting good shots, playing well, was really a lot of fun.

Q. As a lifetime member of the PGA TOUR, did you ever think you would be banned?

PHIL MICKELSON: I feel like that kind of falls into PGA TOUR matters (laughter) as well.

Q. People are interested. Did you ever think that you would be banned from the PGA TOUR?

PHIL MICKELSON: I'm very flattered so many people are interested.

Q. With your contract, are you going to play in all of the events now?

PHIL MICKELSON: So kind of two parts there. Yesterday I was kind of saying that I didn't feel contractual agreements should be public, whether I like it or not, so I'm not going to discuss it. So to answer your question, I'll be playing all the LIV events. I'll be participating in all the LIV events.

Q. The full year?

PHIL MICKELSON: I don't look that far in advance. I know that there's -- I'm going to play the eight this year and I'm going to play the ten next year; I can tell you that.