Phil Mickelsons teammate breaks silence on LIV | Golf News

Brendan Steele said he desires Phil Mickelson to be “happy and healthy” when questioned about the LIV Golf star’s prolonged absence.

Six-time major winner Mickelson has competed just once this season – LIV’s match in South Africa in March – after informing followers he was taking time away to deal with a “private family health matter.” The 56-year-old has subsequently confronted allegations of inappropriate misconduct, which he denies.

Mickelson’s silence concerning LIV’s future in latest weeks and months has been notable. He performed a essential function in the breakaway league 4 years in the past, but he has not addressed its pressing need for funding or Wednesday’s announcement that phrases had been reached with an unnamed “lead investor,” which has since been revealed as the personal equity firm BC Partners.

Mickelson’s HyFlyers teammates – Steele, Cameron Tringale, and Michael La Sasso – have had to handle without him for most of the season, with Scott Vincent serving as his alternative.

Steele made an encouraging start at LIV Golf New York on Thursday, posting a three-under-par 68 to declare a share of fourth place, 4 pictures behind chief Joaquin Niemann.

During his post-round press convention, Steele was requested if he’s in contact with Mickelson. The 43 12 months previous was also questioned about whether or not the absent HyFlyers captain is entitled to any of the crew’s winnings.

“I don’t know any of the mechanics of anything like that, but I speak to Phil here and there,” Steele responded. “We wish him well. We want him to be happy and healthy, and that’s pretty much all I can say.”

During the initial period of his absence, Mickelson stayed engaged and vocal on social media, particularly concerning political points. However, following allegations made public in June that he engaged in non-consensual and inappropriate bodily contact with a feminine worker at The Farms Golf Club close to San Diego, California, he has ceased posting online.

Mickelson’s legal crew said their consumer relinquished his membership at The Farms after an inquiry by the membership. Additional allegations of misconduct emerged, including claims he compensated people to help him in hiding extra-marital relationships, which his attorneys have contested.

“Some of the allegations circulating about Mr. Mickelson are false, and others revisit mistakes he has already acknowledged, publicly or privately. Stacking the disputed claims next to the ones he has owned does not make them credible. It instead contributes to a false and misleading narrative,” a spokesman for Mickelson said in June.

“No person, no article, and no book can present an accurate, complete, or personal story of the life Mr. Mickelson and his family have lived. His story, struggles, and recovery belong to him and to the people who have shared it closely alongside him.

“Recovery isn’t a straight line. Throughout their 35-year relationship, his spouse, Amy Mickelson, has supported Mr. Mickelson and their household with extraordinary grace, unwavering love, and the idea that people are measured not only by their failures, but by what they do to make them proper.

“Mr. Mickelson’s priority is to become the husband, father, and man his family deserves. Right now, that means giving his full attention to a private family health matter. He understands that parts of his life are public, but his family’s private matters are not.”