• Mickleson says he opposes human rights crime.
• He talks about horrible human rights in Saudi Arabia.
• Mickleson has no intention to compete in the LIV series.

Before the first Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Centurion Club, Phil Mickleson emphasized that he does not condone human rights crimes.

In an interview with the author of a new unauthorized biography, Mickelson referred to the Saudis as “scary m************” and said he was well aware of Saudi Arabia’s “horrible record on human rights,” including the murder of Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi.

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Nonetheless, he stated that working with the Saudis was a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates” and accused the Tour of “obnoxious greed.”

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mickelson said: “I don’t condone human rights violations at all. I’m certainly aware of what has happened with Jamal Khashoggi and I think it’s terrible.

“I have also seen the good that the game of golf has done throughout history and I believe LIV Golf is going to do a lot of good for the game as well.”

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While a handful of players have resigned from the PGA Tour to compete in LIV Golf events, Mickelson stated that he had no plans to do the same.

“I earned my lifetime membership and I don’t want to give that up, I don’t believe I should have to,” the six-time major winner added.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I have earned that (lifetime membership) and I don’t plan on just giving that up.”