The US Open of golf begins marked by crack: the uncomfortable presence of Mickelson and the rejection of the victims of 9/11

The historian country-club of Boston, one of the five founding members of the The United States Golf Association (USGA), will receive from this Thursday the 122nd edition of the US Open, which will be held in the midst of the “war” between the PGA, the organization that, until now, has managed the reins of that sport , and the Invitational Series of Golf LIV, the Super League financed by the Saudi monarchy which with its millions has seduced several great world golf stars. It is that after the rain of criticism generated by the decision of that group of players to accept the proposal of the Arab competition, a climate of tension has been generated within that sport and the return of some of the “deserters”, led by Phil Michaelsonthreatens to overshadow the action of the third Major of the season and steal the limelight in the Massachusetts field.

After all, already on Monday, when the club opened its doors for the start of training, the discussion turned very little on golf. Especially when Mickelson appeared on stage and stepped in front of the microphones for the traditional pre-show press conference. “I mean, it’s nice to be back, it’s nice to see you all again”, the Californian began with a smile. It was the only pleasant moment of the conversation. Long, uncomfortable and tense minutes followed, which, for many, set the tone for what they will experience over the weekend.

The big question ahead of the first round doesn’t seem to be how the favorites will perform on a course with a lot of history, but one that has undergone some design changes for this occasion. But how the American public will receive the golfers who played last week’s inaugural LIV event in London.

Due to the reactions and comments that have been reflected on social networks, people are divided. Although a large number of American fans have been very hard on those players, most notably Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Turkish Pettit, Peter Uihlein, Hudson Swafford, Andy Ogletree, Bryson De Chambeau Y patrick cannagolfers from that country who went to the Arab League and were subsequently suspended from the PGA Tour (although some have withdrawn their membership).

The criticisms came, above all, from the survivors and relatives of the victims of the terrorist attack World Trade Center on September 9, 2001, which treated Mickelson and company as “traitors”.

The organization “United families of September 11” He sent a letter to those players in which he stressed the role Saudi Arabia played in the crash of the two planes into the Twin Towers and pointed out that “15 of the 19 hijackers” were from that country, as was Osama bin Laden.

“When you associate with the Saudis you become complicit in their cover-up and help give them the cover of the reputation they crave. It seems like a betrayal. My husband was a novice golfer. He was a fan of Mickelson. You guys aren’t interested in promoting l ‘integrity in sport and are part of sportwashing “, reads the text signed by Terry Stradapresident of the organization and whose husband died in the attack.

Asked about his opinion of those words, Mickelson commented, “I would tell the Strada family, all those who have lost loved ones, that I have deep sympathy and empathy for them. I can’t stress this enough.”

The Californian, the most popular golfer in the United States behind Tiger Woods, was asked how he felt about the possibility of losing the support of many of his fans for his decision to play LIV. And his response was as careful as any he gave at the conference.

“I understand that many have strong opinions and feelings about my decision. And I respect that,” said the man who will seek his seventh major and his first US Open.

“The Boston crowd is one of the best in the sport and I think they have supported me a lot over the years and I really appreciate that. Their enthusiasm and energy create a great atmosphere, so be it positive or negative towards me directly. , I think it will provide an incredible setting to celebrate this championship, “he commented on the possibility that some spectators will boo or shout at him, which did not happen in the days of practice.

The reaction of colleagues

The meeting with some of your coworkers may also be a little tense. It is that not a few players have criticized the departure of their teammates for the Saudi Super League, even if they have been careful not to use strong words and have even admitted that they understand them.

“As a golfer, I have the utmost respect for Phil. I was disappointed with the way he behaved,” the Irishman said Tuesday. Rory McIlroy, champion last Sunday in Canada. “I understand that many who are over 40, like him, have been tempted by the offer of money. But I don’t understand guys who are my similar age and have their best years ahead of them. I think they have taken the way easier”.

Spaniard Jon Rahm, who will defend the US Major title in Boston, commented: “I understand, to put it mildly, LIV’s appeal, but I wouldn’t choose it. I don’t like the format. And I’ve never played for money, I play for the love of the game and I want to compete against the best. And nobody talks about the recent London tournament for its prestige. “

How interesting is the new championship from an economic point of view? Mickelson received a $ 200 million bonus for playing it. Johnson, one of 150 million. the Australian Greg Norman, former number one and visible face of the tournament, said Woods turned down an offer of $ 1 million to participate. To this we must add the juicy prize pool: each tournament distributes 25 million and for winning the individual title in London, the South African charl schwartzel took 4 million. The US Open, meanwhile, will distribute 12.5 million, of which “just” 2,250,000 will go to the winner.

“I grew up all my life wanting to play on the PGA Tour. Wanting to break records, make history, play the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup … That all of that can be harmed by some people leaving, it’s just sad. there is any amount of money you can get that makes you happy doing something you don’t love or enjoy, “he said. right tomasoformer number one in the world.

The American also complained that, in the context of an important tournament like the US Open, there was still talk of the Arab league.

A reading that his compatriot also made Brooks Koepka: “I’m tired of this talk, I don’t understand. I’m trying to focus on the US Open and let’s keep talking about last week. All of this is throwing a black cloud over that tournament.”

The crack caused by the inauguration of the new Arab league is drawing attention ahead of the US Open which will celebrate its 122nd edition this weekend. Will golf take center stage again at the historic Boston Country Club when tournament action kicks off on Thursday?