"I'm very grateful for the many memories, opportunities, experiences, friendships, relationships that the PGA Tour has given me, and all of these will live on. But I'm hoping for more." Mickelson said.
The 51-year-old American was speaking from Brookline (Massachusetts) where the US Open will begin on Thursday.
The organizers of this Grand Slam authorized him to participate, considering that it would have been "unfair and inappropriate" to dismiss the 17 players who had been suspended by the PGA, for having played last weekend in the first tournament of LIV in London.
"I've worked hard to earn a lifetime membership (with the PGA), throughout my 30+ year professional career. So I believe I should be able to choose the path I want, one or the other. 'other or both,' he hammered.
Mickelson has not revealed his plans for the coming weeks, beyond the next events organized by the LIV and the British Open, scheduled for July in St. Andrews (Scotland).
"It's common knowledge that I'm suspended along with a bunch of other players, so it's all speculation (as far as the PGA Tour is concerned), I don't know how it's all going to play out."
Like Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, two Majors and ex-world No.1, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed and other Major winners, such as Charl Schwartzel or Sergio Garcia are among the banned.
All are under fire from various critics.
Their peers swearing allegiance to the PGA, accuse them of giving in to pecuniary sirens (25 million dollars in endowment for each LIV tournament).
Phil Mickelson during the Dissent League Tournament, LIV Golf, in St Albans, north London, on June 9, 2022 Adrian DENNIS AFP/Archives
The American players concerned are accused of betraying the memory of their compatriots, by an association of families of victims of September 11 which holds Saudi Arabia responsible for these attacks.
Mickelson himself had blown hot and cold when it came to the country, In a book published in February, he called the Saudis "scary" with a "horrible human rights record", while saying he was enthusiastic to the idea of participating in the events of the LIV, to put pressure on the PGA, so that it reforms.
© 2022 AFP