In his three-decade-long career, Phil Mickelson has had his shares of ups and downs. The American sensation today stands as one of the most prominent entities of golf. However, on the other hand, a large section of the golfing world also considers him one of the most controversial players in the game.

The former world number two is often called out for his unpleasant comments. Similar was the case in 1991. Walking down memory lane, Mickelson started golf at a young age. Impressing the selectors with his performance, he managed to be part of the 1991 American Amateur Team heading for the Walker Cup near Dublin. The Haskins Award winner headed to the Irish capital to play golf. However, he ended up making headlines for his remarks about Irish women. Remarks, that forced the then 20-year-old Mickelson to instantly issue an apology.

Phil Mickelson makes headlines for his remarks on Irish women

Showing off his golf skills, Phil Mickelson played a considerably tough shot, gathering appreciation from spectators at the Portmarnock Golf Club. However, little did he know that he was soon going to ruin the appreciation he just gathered. With his shot in place, the now six-time major winner instantly came into the spotlight.

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Afterward, an interviewer showed Mickelson the replay of his much-talked-about shot. The now World Golf Hall of Famer had played a shot out of the rough near the gallery. Showing the replay, the reporter asked Mickelson for his comments. “That’s not a place I want to be. The Irish women are not that attractive,” Mickelson replied.

Considering the then rapidly growing prominence of Mickelson, it goes without saying that it took no time for his words to make headlines. Headlines, which weren’t just restricted to Ireland but also his home country, the USA. While he headed back to the USA, what he carried with him was a bag full of backlashing. The result? Phil Mickelson came out in public, clarifying his words and issuing an apology.

“I knew I was in for it the moment I said it,” he said. “It was a bad joke, and I feel just terrible about it,” he further added.

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The apology by Mickelson acted as a way of steadily toning down the rage of people against him. While Mickelson’s impressive career clearly succeeded to overshadow his comments, the incident continues to have a prominent presence when talking about his journey.

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