Despite being a former Open Championship winner, Phil Mickelson chose not to attend the yearly traditions the R&A conducted this week to celebrate its champions. He didn’t state the reason when his decision was revealed. However, the golfer has finally disclosed why he didn’t participate in the Champions Dinner and the Celebration of Champions. 

“The R&A contacted me a couple of weeks before,” Mickelson said. “And said, ‘Look, we don’t think it’s a great idea you go. But if you want to, you can.'” 

Notably, the R&A also had chosen not to invite the LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to the Celebration of Champions. As a former champion, Norman is allowed to participate in the Open Championship week traditions. Although the LIV Golf CEO expressed his disappointment in the decision, the R&A was adamant about their decision. 

“We decided that we didn’t want the distraction…,” the R&A chief explained why they decided to take such a measure. “So it was very clear to protect the integrity of this week,” he added. 

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Unlike the CEO, the LIV Golf player didn’t want to make the situation worse!

Norman and Mickelson attract more attention towards them as they are part of the LIV Golf, which is at rivalry with the PGA Tour. However, the R&A didn’t want such a distraction at St. Andrews as it hosts the 150th Open Championship this week. 

Read More: Who is Caddying for Phil Mickelson at the Inaugural LIV Golf Event?

Norman expressed that he was disappointed in R&A’s decision during an interview. Mickelson, on the other hand, “didn’t want to make a big deal about it.” The 6-time major champion revealed what he said to the R&A officials when they approached him, “I said fine. We both kind of agreed that it would be best if I didn’t,” he added. 

How many Open titles have Phil Mickelson won?

It has been 30 years since Phil Mickelson become a professional golfer. Although he has won 6 majors throughout his career, only one was at the Open Championship. 

Phil the Thrill won the tournament in 2013 at the Muirfield Golf Links in Scotland. Notably, he won the event with a 3-shot lead after entering the final round with a 5-shot deficit from the field leader. 

As the former champions of the tournament, it is an honor for the golfers to be a part of the Open week traditions. However, Mickelson chose not to attend the event as he agreed with the officials that his presence could take away the feat the tournament achieved. 

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