Phil Mickelson – He will continue to hold the PGA Tour accountable, and ‘accountable’ to others

ROCHESTER, NY — Phil Mickelson had a quiet week at his 105th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club this week, but the six-time major champion can’t seem ready to stop pressuring the men’s professional golf establishment on social media.

After Mickelson closed out the PGA Championship with a par round that left him at 10 after 72 holes, he was asked why he continued to criticize the PGA Tour, the American Golf Association and other governing bodies on social media.

“I think it’s because I know some things that other people don’t,” Mickelson said. I just want to make sure everyone is held accountable.”

Mickelson, 52, confirmed a New York Times report earlier this week that he had recently met with investigators from the US Department of Justice. Last year, the federal government opened an investigation into alleged antitrust behavior on the PGA Tour. The Times reported that DOJ investigators also met with LIV Golf League players Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia, and PGA Tour attorneys, last week.

Among other issues, according to the Times, the federal government is exploring the PGA Tour’s relationships with the Official World Golf Rankings, the Masters, the PGA of America, the R&A and the USGA.

Mickelson declined to disclose what he discussed with Justice Department investigators.

“I know a lot of things will come out later,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson said he believes golfers such as Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka should be allowed to play in the Ryder Cup, which is scheduled for September 29-October. 1 outside of Rome, if they’re worth choosing. Both are eligible to play in the Ryder Cup because they have been granted US PGA membership through 2024, which is required to be on the US team.

Koepka, tied for second with Mickelson behind John Rahm at the Masters in April, opened the final round of the PGA Championship with a one-stroke lead over Norway’s Viktor Hovland and Canada’s Corey Konners. If Koepka wins his third PGA Championship, he will rise to second in the American Ryder Cup team points standings. The top six in the standings after the BMW Championship on August 20 will automatically qualify for the team.

US captain Zac Johnson has not said whether he would consider having LIV Golf League players pick one of his six team captaincy picks.

“I don’t see the benefit of the Ryder Cup changing from what it has historically been, which is the United States – well, it was Great Britain and Ireland – versus Europe,” Mickelson said. “I don’t see the point in changing that. I don’t see any interest in the PGA of America in the tour we’re playing. It’s just my opinion.”