LAMM AT LARGE: Phil Mickelson’s Tour Hiatus Continues

Just when it seemed Phil Mickelson had solidified his legacy as an all-time top 10 player and one of the most popular golfers ever, in the eyes of many people close to the sport the “real” Phil was revealed.

The fans adored Mickelson, who inter-acted with them on the course and probably signed more autographs than anyone not named Arnie. Off  the course he was seen as arrogant and always thought of himself as the smartest person in the room.

He’d had a few hiccups off the course, but nothing major until he decided to challenge the PGA Tour, labeling it as a greedy organization who was basically robbing them of their money. He said all of this while pushing for his PGA Tour colleagues to play on the fledgling Saudi-financed Super Golf League.

There have been few takers and none of today’s star. To the contrary, most have verbally torn into Mickelson. So much so that Phil is taking a self imposed hiatus from the Tour.

Sadly for the fans — and Mickelson — that means Phil isn’t expected at next week’s Players.