Why Is Phil Mickelson Losing His Sponsors?

Over the past week, a number of sponsors have taken the decision to drop Phil Mickelson, with the fall-out coming after the six-time Major champion made controversial comments about the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia.

In an excerpt from Alan Shipnuck’s upcoming book, titled ‘Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar’, the 51-year-old made it clear he thinks it's merely an attempt to “sportswash” Saudi Arabia's reputation, and that they are "scary motherf*****s to get involved with.”

Following the comments made by Mickelson, the six-time Major champion released a lengthy statement in which he apologised for his actions, stating he is "deeply sorry for them."

“Although it doesn’t look this way now given my recent comments, my actions throughout this process have always been with the best interest of golf, my peers, sponsors, and fans," said the American.

"There is the problem of off record comments being shared out of context and without my consent, but the bigger issue is that I used words I sincerely regret that do not reflect my true feelings or intentions. It was reckless, I offended people, and I am deeply sorry for my choice of words. I’m beyond disappointed and will make every effort to self-reflect and learn from this."

Although the 51-year-old did apologise, many players and pundits didn't really seem to accept it, with one of the most recognisable voices in golf, Ewen Murray, tweeting: "Having watched Phil Mickelson for 30 years, admired his undoubted talent, and marvelled at his excellence, his sheer brilliance and his outstanding short game, how on earth can it come to this?. So terribly sad, so desperately unnecessary, so stupid."

2002 PGA Championship winner, Rich Beem, also called Mickelson's statement: "Not a true apology," and that "not once did he ever apologise to the PGA Tour and come out and support them."

Which Sponsors Have Dropped Mickelson?

As well as players and pundits making their voices heard, Mickelson's sponsors also showed their stance on the matter, with three of Lefty's biggest endorsers pulling the plug on his sponsorship. 

Mickelson had stated that he had given all of his sponsors "the option to pause or end the relationship" as he understands "it might be necessary given the current circumstances." However, the option didn't seem to work, with KPMG being the first to "mutually" part ways with the 51-year-old. 

Having sponsored the six-time Major winner since 2008, Mickelson had worn the company's logo on his cap and visor all the way up until early 2022. However, in a statement from the accounting organisation, KPMG announced that: "KPMG U.S. and Phil Mickelson have mutually agreed to end our sponsorship effective immediately. We wish him the best."

Heineken/Amstel Light were the next to follow, with a spokesperson from Heineken, the parent company of Amstel Light, announcing that: “We made the decision to go our separate ways and end Amstel Light’s partnership with Phil Mickelson.”

Not long after, Workday released a statement, saying: "At this time, Workday and Phil Mickelson have mutually and amicably agreed to not renew our brand sponsorship that ends this March. 

"We want to thank Phil for his great contributions as a Workday ambassador, both on and off the course. And we continue to wish him and his family all the best."

With Mickelson's endorsements being worth an estimated $40 million between 2019-2020, according to Forbes, one big question was, 'what were Callaway going to do?' With the club manufacturer the 51-year-olds longest serving sponsor.

Well, for Mickelson, the brand, which has supported him since 2004, "agreed to pause their partnership", with Callaway "re-evaluating their ongoing relationship at a later date.”

The brand also stated that: "Callaway does not condone Phil Mickelson’s comments and we were very disappointed in his choice of words – they in no way reflect our values or what we stand for as a company. Phil has since apologized and we know he regrets how he handled recent events. We recognize his desire to take some time away from the game and respect that decision."

Since Callaway's announcement, it is believed that Lefty will also no longer serve as host of The American Express, with the PGA Tour stating to The Desert Sun that, in addition to Mickelson not returning as host in January 2023, the Mickelson Foundation will also no longer be part of the event either.