Golf star Phil Mickelson was heckled by a spectator at the controversial LIV Golf tournament Friday in Bedminster, New Jersey, while he teed up for the 16th hole at former President Donald Trump’s golf course.
“Do it for the Saudi royal family!” the man yelled in what was a dig at the funding of the tournament by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, according to NJ.com. Mickelson, who was gearing up to hit his tee shot on the par-3 hole, backed away from the ball, and the man was warned by security that another outburst would resort in his ejection from the course, per the report.
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Trump and the players participating in the tournament have faced criticism from families of 9/11 victims for LIV’s Saudi cash flow, particularly after FBI documents released last year examined connections between the oil-rich nation and the attack, with 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 being Saudi. Further concerns have been raised by U.S. intelligence tying Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Saudi Arabia has denied culpability for 9/11 and distanced the crown prince from Khashoggi’s death.
Mickelson ended up hitting his tee shot into the green-side bunker, hit the next shot almost into the water on the other side of the green, and eventually made a bogey. He tied for 43rd. Mickelson was frustrated with his performance.
“I had a really good day,” Mickelson said, according to the Daily Mail. “The people here have always been great. They’ve always treated me well, and I had a really good day with the fans. I’m just a little frustrated with my game, to be honest. To three-putt the last two holes with makeable birdies, I’m just frustrated because I expect more of myself. I’m going to work on it until I get it fixed.”
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Mickelson joined Trump, 2020 U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson for the three-day event, which was open to seasoned professionals and amateur players. More than a dozen LIV players, including Mickelson, were suspended by the PGA Tour last month.
