Other than '90, Mickelson has played in every Waste Management Phoenix Open since '89getty images
Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament Chair Tim Woods said he is "disappointed" that Phil Mickelson has become the "most recent PGA Tour golfer to decide to play in the controversial" Saudi Int'l instead of the Scottsdale event, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Woods said that he is "not concerned about a 'mass exodus' of tour players forgoing the event" in exchange for the "seven-figure appearance fee that comes with playing in Saudi Arabia." He said, "It's on our radar. We're actively exploring ways to fight back against it and will continue to do so. But I'm not concerned that it's going to be a negative ultimately." Woods added that the PGA Tour also "recognized the situation." He said, "They can't afford for their tournament to suffer so they're motivated to make sure they're protecting the tournaments, as well." Woods said that he will "start getting concerned about players choosing not to play in the Phoenix Open if 'all of a sudden 10 of the guys that we thought would come, aren't coming.'" In the meantime, he said that he "doesn't think losing Mickelson will affect the tournament's attendance" (ESPN.com, 12/3). In Phoenix, Brandon Brown notes one way Woods is "confident the Phoenix Open will continue to attract top golfers" is with new WMPO Exec Dir Chance Cozby. Woods said Cozby, who is taking over the role after this year's tournament, worked at Ping for years and "has personal relationships with a number of the top players" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/4).
GOING EAST: Mickelson on Monday tweeted, "Given that I turn 50 this year, there's a good chance I've played my last Phoenix Open." In Phoenix, Jeremy Cluff writes Mickelson "is the Phoenix Open." He has "played in the event every year" since '91, and "typically, he's followed by large crowds during each round at the event -- whether he's in contention or not." Mickelson's decision to play in Saudi Arabia and "skip the Phoenix Open was met with criticism, mainly for choosing to play in the Saudi event" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/4). Golfweek’s Geoff Shackelford notes Mickelson has a “lot of devoted fans” in the Phoenix area and that he is "hearing from the fans today.” Shackelford: “I see very few reactions really defending him.” Officials at the WMPO “treasure having him there” and for him to “take a very large appearance check and say goodbye to the event this way and to follow it up the way he did, frankly I’m shocked by it” (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 12/3).
TAKING SOME HEAT: In Phoenix, Kent Somers writes Mickelson "owes the Phoenix Open nothing," having played in it 30 times. However, the reaction "isn't only about Mickelson deciding to skip" the WMPO, as it also is "about choosing to play" in Saudi Arabia instead. Somers: "An 'invitation' to play in that tournament includes a hefty appearance fee. And all an athlete has to do for that fee is play a little golf and valet park his conscience." The WMPO "will be fine," as it has "never been about one golfer." Most of the time, it is "not even about the golf" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/4). Golf Channel's Damon Hack said of Mickelson, “The responsibility is to follow his or her own conscience when it comes to this … and Phil Mickelson and others have made a different calculation and it has to with the dollar signs, to be frank. So if Phil Mickelson wants to have us laugh at his calves and laugh at his fireside chats, he’s going to also take some heat for this decision, and I think he knows that. It's his right as an independent contractor to play where he wants to play, but he’s also going to receive some criticism because of his station in the game” (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 12/4).
