Phil Mickelson refuses to comment on money-laundering allegations

Off it he is as savvy as any, astute in his understanding of how the media works and well aware of good public relations. Last June, he was linked to an insider-trading probe, but Sydney Ember of the New York Times stated his ties were “weaker than previously reported”.

He said: “We are all disappointed to hear his (Trump’s) comments”.

And on Tuesday the PGA of America announced it had been “mutually agreed” that the Grand Slam of Golf – a 36-hole event contested by the year’s major champions – would not take place as scheduled at Trump National in Los Angeles on October 20-21. I understand you have editors and you need to ask questions. “I don’t know what to say”, said Mickelson. Rory was just playing around and accidents happen. “Bones and I were talking about how we would like to go over and spend some time”. We are a in a tough spot. The interest here was more about Tom Watson, the five-time Open Championship victor who will make his farewell appearance next week at St. Andrews. McIlroy was ruled out of the Scottish Open and his status for the Open Championship won’t be determined until later this week. On the subject of Watson, though, he was less comfortable.

“It’s his last Open Championship and I’m certainly appreciative of all he’s done for the game of golf and admire, and that’s all I really wanted to say on that”. It was at the Ryder Cup last September at nearby Gleneagles where Mickelson was critical of Watson’s captaincy. His pre-emptive tactics had failed. In the moments after his final putt fell, Mackay said that was the best round he’d ever seen Mickelson play. In 2009, when he nearly won [at Turnberry, where Watson lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink], I was pulling as hard as anybody. It’s probably the most special victory of my career and something that I will cherish as much as any victory.

“I’ve been getting acclimated not only to the time change but also the links-style golf”. Again he’s one of the greatest champions the game has ever seen. “I eat potatoes for the simple reason that it’s the only food I know that helps increase your testosterone levels so does that mean I am violating the policy?” We are just doing it in slightly different ways. “I found it very relaxing and I enjoyed it”. I don’t feel like anything he was doing was unnecessary risk.