Phil Mickelson signed with the Saudi circuit

Phil Michaelson signed the controversial LIV Golf Invitational Series on Monday after months of speculation. The six-time major winner will make his Saudi-backed tour debut at this week’s inaugural event outside London.

“Phil Mickelson is definitely one of the best golfers of this generation,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner, Greg Norman, in a press release. “His contributions to the sport and connection with fans around the world cannot be underestimated and we are grateful to have him. He fosters an exciting field for London where we are proud to launch a new season for golf. “

Michaelson, 51 years old he has not played in a tournament since he dived for Saudi International in February. His last event on the PGA Tour was the Farmers Insurance Open in January. “I’m ready to go back to playing the sport I love. After 32 years, this new path is a new beginning, one that is exciting for me at this stage of my career and clearly changing, not just for me, but perfect for the game and my teammates, ”Mickelson said in a statement.

Last week, LIV Golf announced 42 of the 48 players will participate in LIV Golf International starting Thursday at the Centurion Club. LIV Golf is offered Dustin Johnsonthe biggest name on that list, $ 125 million to join his rival tour, according to a report in The Telegraph.

The amount Mickelson discussed was not disclosed, however Tiger Woods Norman declined the “high nine figures” offer to join LIV Golf, Norman told the Washington Post. Other well -known names in the field this week include English Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Richard BlandThe Spanish Sergio Garcia, Kevin Na, Talor Goochthe German Martin Kaymer and the South Africans Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, and Branden Grace.

Garcia, Oosthuizen, Schwartzel, and Grace they have already resigned from the PGA Tour to pursue LIV, their manager told the media later on Monday. they followed hindiwho announced his resignation on Saturday.