Fred Couples slams Phil Mickelson for joining LIV Golf: ‘I don’t think I’ll ever talk to him again’
Couples said he will likely never play with Mickelson again
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fred Couples is no fan of the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
And after what’s transpired the past six months, his opinion of Phil Mickelson has changed as well. Mickelson, the biggest household name to join the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit, once shared a good rapport with Couples, which appears to now be done.
Phil Mickelson (R) walks alongside Fred Couples during a practice round prior to the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2011 in Augusta, Georgia. (Harry How/Getty Images)
Couples, a Hall of Famer and 15-time winner on the PGA Tour, said Wednesday that Mickelson’s press conferences since debuting in LIV Golf show a man that’s been censored by top officials of the upstart league.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PGA LEGEND CURTIS STRANGE ON WHY PROS JUMPED TO LIV GOLF: IT’S ABOUT THE MONEY
"These guys — you’ve seen their interviews, right?" Couples told Golf.com. "Have you ever seen Phil look so stupid in his life? They know it’s a joke."
Couples, 62, said that he isn’t happy that Saudi Arabia is the main financial backer of LIV Golf. The country has been accused by human rights organizations of torturing, kidnapping and murdering women. The Saudi royal family was reportedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - Phil Mickelson walks off the 14th green after missing a birdie putt during the third round at the PGA Championship golf tournament on the Ocean Course, Saturday, May 22, 2021, in Kiawah Island, S.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
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Mickelson, 52, and Couples shared the spotlight numerous times during their career, notably at the 2006 Masters, when the two were paired on Sunday. Mickelson went on to win his second of three green jackets and the two embraced on the 18th hole.
But as far as Couples is concerned, the moments and the photos will live in the past. Couples said that he has no interest in speaking with Mickelson again.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Phil Mickelson of the United States is congratulated by Fred Couples of the United States after winning the final round of the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield on July 21, 2013 in Gullane, Scotland. (Mark Runnacles/ via Getty Images)
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"I don’t think I’ll ever talk to him again," Couples said. "What for? I’m not in the same boat as him anymore, and probably never will play golf with him again. I’m not saying that to be mean. We’re just in different orbits."